ARSENAL moved back to the top of the Premier League table with a 3-0 win over Brighton.
Bukayo Saka gave the visitors the lead from the penalty spot in the 33rd minute, ruthlessly converting after Tariq Lamptey brought down Gabriel Jesus.
The Gunners went in at half-time deservedly ahead, but David Raya was still called upon to produce a flying save to deny Julio Enciso’s brilliant curling effort.
Arsenal then doubled their lead shortly after the hour mark as Jorginho’s cutback was poked home by Kai Havertz, before Leandro Trossard added a third late on.
The result leaves Mikel Arteta’s side one point clear of both Liverpool and Manchester City, though the former do have a game in hand away at Manchester United on Sunday.
Here is how SunSport’s Dylan Terry saw the performances of the Arsenal players.
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David Raya – 7
Looked nervy early on, shanking a couple of clearances and struggling with his longer passing.
But he grew into the match very impressively and made a fine save to deny Julio Enciso at the end of the first half, diving to his left to claw the ball away.
His distribution also improved as the game wore on.
Ben White – 7
Showed his creativity when supporting Saka going forward and produced a sumptuous cross that narrowly evaded Havertz.
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Dealt well enough with Enciso as Brighton enjoyed most of their positive play down the other flank.
William Saliba – 8
Utterly unfazed in possession and accomplished when distributing it out of defence.
A thoroughly calming presence alongside Gabriel. Unquestionably one of the best defenders in world football.
Gabriel – 6
Missed a superb chance to give Arsenal the lead after only a minute, but skewed his header wide from close range.
Had a tough job marshalling alongside an erratic Zinchenko, but he did not make any major mistakes.
Oleksandr Zinchenko – 5
Lamptey, Carlos Baleba and Simon Adingra all caused him major problems in the first half – the Ukrainian fortunate not to be punished.
A dreadful touch nearly allowed Adingra to pounce early in the second period.
Has a lot of chaotic energy about him. Arsenal’s weak link – if there is one.
Was hooked for Takehiro Tomiyasu with 20 minutes remaining and many will know why.
Declan Rice – 6
May have been turned a couple of times by Baleba, but other than that it was another largely faultless display from the England man.
As reliable as ever when shielding the back four, while he also provided some incisive passing in the final third.
Jorginho – 6
A real vocal presence in the Arsenal team, constantly barking orders and organising his team-mates, particularly during spells of Brighton possession.
Seems to have an impressive understanding with Rice when it comes to one staying and the other going forward.
Provided the pick-out for Havertz to tap home to seal all three points – just his second goal contribution in the Premier League this season.
Martin Odegaard – 9
A truly complete performance from the Arsenal captain.
Odegaard is involved in everything positive his side offers up going forward – whether that be starting attacks, picking the final pass, having a shot, or delivering a deadly set-piece.
He also works tirelessly to win the ball back and retains possession with such class once he has it.
A ball of energy all over the pitch and the best player out there on Saturday evening.
Bukayo Saka – 6
Squandered a textbook Saka opportunity inside the first quarter of an hour, curling wide of the far post after White slid him in behind the Brighton backline.
Tucked the penalty away with aplomb and, while he was sometimes crowded out, he did look dangerous when Brighton afforded him space.
Kai Havertz – 7
Led the line well enough without the ball, even if he struggled to create much in the way of chances before he found the back of the net.
Took the goal well – his fifth in his last seven Premier League appearances – and is beginning to find his shooting boots just when Arteta needs him most.
Gabriel Jesus – 6
Denied a brilliant opening goal by the outstretched left arm of Brighton keeper Bart Verbruggen, before he ran onto a header and planted it wide.
Won the penalty with a clever bit of play, even if the decision was somewhat questionable.
Subs:
Leandro Trossard (for Saka, 64 mins) – 7
Had little impact on the match but then suddenly robbed Brighton of possession and made sure of the win with a lovely dink.
Gabriel Martinelli (for Jesus, 64 mins) – 6
Used his pace to stretch the Brighton backline on a couple of occasions.
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Takehiro Tomiyasu (for Zinchenko, 72 mins) – 6
Defended solidly enough. Looked more of a reliable option than Zinchenko.
Eddie Nketiah (for Havertz, 89 mins) – N/A
Fabio Vieira (for Odegaard, 89 mins) – N/A
Unused subs: Ramsdale, Partey, Smith Rowe, Kiwior.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
