Arsenal ease past Brighton to return to top

GLYN KIRK/ AFP

Arsenal maintained their Premier League title charge as goals by Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz and Leandro Trossard secured a masterful 3-0 victory at Brighton and Hove Albion that sent them back to the top of the table on Saturday.

Manchester City's earlier victory had dropped Arsenal into third place, but they responded in emphatic fashion to clear what had looked like a tricky obstacle in style.

Arsenal's 10th win in their last 11 league games put them on 71 points from 31 games. Liverpool, who play away at Manchester United on Sunday, are on 70, as are champions Manchester City. Arsenal's goal difference is also significantly better than that of their two title rivals.

Brighton started strongly but Arsenal soon settled, and Saka converted a penalty in the 33rd minute after Tariq Lamptey was adjudged to have clipped Gabriel Jesus in the area.

Arsenal were a constant threat going forward and the away fans were in full voice after Kai Havertz scored from close range from Jorginho's cut back in the 62nd minute.

Former Brighton player Trossard, on as a substitute, wrapped up the points late after being played through on goal.

It was Brighton's first home league defeat since August.

More from Sports News

  • Desert Vipers defeat Sharjah Warriorz by 10 wickets in ILT20

    The Desert Vipers got back to winning ways in the DP World ILT20 as they put up a scintillating performance to outclass the Sharjah Warriorz, and clinch a massive 10-wicket victory at the Dubai International Stadium on Wednesday.

  • India blitz England led by Abhishek's superb hitting

    Opener Abhishek Sharma's sensational power-hitting secured India's comprehensive seven-wicket victory against England in the opening T20 International at the Eden Gardens on Wednesday.

  • Sinner crushes De Minaur in Melbourne

    Defending champion Jannik Sinner shattered home hopes Wednesday by crushing Alex de Minaur in a straight-sets rout to tee up an Australian Open semi-final against Ben Shelton.

  • Struggling Dortmund sack coach Sahin

    Borussia Dortmund have fired coach Nuri Sahin, the German football club said on Wednesday, after Tuesday's shock 2-1 loss to Bologna in the Champions League that stretched their losing run to four games across all competitions.

  • Swiatek, Keys charge into Australian Open semis

    A rampaging Iga Swiatek stormed into her second Australian Open semi-final with a 6-1 6-2 centre court demolition of eighth seed Emma Navarro on Wednesday, while Madison Keys overhauled Elina Svitolina 3-6 6-3 6-4 in the earlier quarter-final.