Arsenal successfully overcame a resilient Brighton side, temporarily reclaiming the top spot in the Premier League from Liverpool – at least for a few hours.
As Liverpool prepared to face Manchester United at 16:30 GMT, Arsenal reclaimed the top spot with goals from Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz.
Despite dominating the first half without scoring, Arsenal broke the deadlock when Jesus netted from a corner, easing the tension.
The hosts narrowly avoided punishment when Pascal Gross missed an opportunity, and Havertz sealed the victory, sparking joyful celebrations at the relieved Emirates Stadium.
Despite Brighton’s quest for a third consecutive league victory at the Emirates Stadium, they only managed one shot on target.
Following a cautious first-half display, Brighton exhibited increased attacking prowess in the last half-hour, but anything other than a home victory would have been hardly justified.
Arsenal registered 25 shots in the game and came close to securing a late third goal, with substitute Emile Smith Rowe