Arsenal beat Brighton & Hove Albion 2-0 at home on Sunday, thanks to second-half goals from Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz, and moved back to the top of the Premier League standings.
Arsenal climbed a point ahead of Aston Villa, who moved up to second on 38 points. Third-placed Liverpool is a point behind with a game against rivals Manchester United scheduled for later on Sunday.
Brighton had won their previous three visits to The Emirates Stadium in all competitions, but the majority of the action took place in their box as Arsenal became the first team this season to maintain a clean sheet against Roberto De Zerbi’s team.
The Seagulls, who fell to ninth place, did not have a single attempt on goal in the first half as they survived wave after wave of Arsenal raids, with keeper Bart Verbruggen standing firm.
“It’s a fantastic team that plays excellent football.” It’s difficult to play against them. We knew we were tough at our house. “Today went very well,” Havertz stated.
Arsenal was also guilty of failing to capitalize on their opportunities, with Gabriel Martinelli coming closest with a shot that went just wide as the two clubs went into halftime tied at 0-0.
Brighton’s resistance was broken eight minutes into the second half when defender Jan Paul van Hecke inadvertently diverted a corner ball into the path of the unmarked Jesus at the far post, who headed home.
Arsenal refused to be satisfied with a one-goal lead and proceeded to assault the Brighton goal with shots. On his 25th birthday, skipper Martin Odegaard saw a shot palmed away, while Havertz saw his header go beyond.
Brighton had been inactive throughout the game, but in the 82nd minute, Kaoru Mitoma snuck past his marker and crossed the ball into the box, only for Pascal Gross to volley wide.
In the 87th minute, substitute Eddie Nketiah put Havertz through on goal, and the German forward rifled into the bottom corner to give Arsenal the three points.
After a rocky start to his Arsenal career, Havertz has already scored four goals in his last seven appearances.
“I’m happy as an offensive player, it’s always nice to score or assist,” he said. “The first one or two months were difficult but I tried to get the best out of myself every day.”