Wasteful Arsenal go top of Premier League with victory over stubborn Brighton

In a highly anticipated Premier League match, Arsenal managed to overcome a resilient Brighton side to climb back to the top of the table – at least for a few hours.

While Liverpool and Manchester United were yet to play, the Gunners moved to the summit with a hard-fought victory, courtesy of Gabriel Jesus’ header and Kai Havertz’s late goal.

Arsenal dominated the first half, peppering the Brighton goal with shots but failing to find the back of the net. However, their fortunes changed early in the second half when Jesus converted from a corner to give the hosts the lead.

Brighton almost equalised when Pascal Gross missed a great opportunity, but it was Havertz who sealed the victory for Arsenal with a late strike.

Despite Brighton’s impressive record of scoring in each of their last 32 Premier League games, they struggled to create clear-cut chances and managed just one shot on target. They did, however, try to mount a comeback in the final half-hour, but Arsenal’s defence held up well.

Arsenal had a staggering 25 shots on goal throughout the game, and they could have easily added to their tally late on when substitute Emile Smith Rowe came close to scoring.

It was a much-needed win for Arsenal, who had lost their previous three home games against Brighton.

Martin Odegaard, who was hoping for a birthday goal, failed to find the back of the net. However, Jesus’s goal, just seven minutes into the second half, and Havertz’s strike, five minutes after Brighton’s brief resurgence, were enough to give Arsenal all three points.

Overall, it was a well-deserved victory for Arsenal, who will be hoping to maintain their lead at the top of the table as the season progresses.