Arsenal reclaimed the top position in the English Premier League, if only temporarily, after securing a 3-0 victory against Brighton with goals from Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz, and Leandro Trossard on Saturday.
Mikel Arteta’s squad arrived at Amex Stadium having slipped to third place following Manchester City’s 4-2 victory over Crystal Palace earlier in the day.
Saka, who was back in action after missing the midweek win over Luton due to injury, put Arsenal ahead by converting a penalty in the first half after Tariq Lamptey was judged to have fouled Gabriel Jesus, despite appearing to touch the ball first.
Havertz added the second goal with a simple tap-in before assisting substitute Trossard for the third goal, sealing victory against his former team.
The away team deservedly secured the win on the south coast and now sits one point ahead of both Liverpool, who have a game in hand against Manchester United on Sunday, and City. Arsenal’s focus now shifts to a Champions League quarterfinal against Bayern Munich, with the first leg scheduled for Tuesday.
Brighton, after a promising start, faded away and suffered their first home defeat in the top flight in 13 matches, dating back to August. This loss adds to their challenge of securing European football for the second consecutive year, following this season’s Europa League journey.
