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ARSENAL charged back to the top of the Premier League after a dominant 3-0 victory at Brighton.The returning Bukayo Saka gave the Gunners the lead from the penalty spot before Kai Havertz and Leandro Trossard got on the scoresheet.The Gunners put the pressure back on Liverpool ahead of their tussle with Manchester United tomorrow afternoon.
Brighton starting XI: Verbruggen, Lamptey, Dunk, Van Hecke, Estupinan, Gross, Baleba, Enciso, Adingra, Welbeck, Moder
Arsenal starting XI: Raya, White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko, Jorginho, Rice, Odegaard, Saka, Havertz, Jesus
CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThat’s all from the Amex.
After Manchester City fought back to win at Crystal Palace at lunchtime, Arsenal delivered a tasty three points at teatime.
It means the Gunners are back at the top of the Premier League, a point ahead of Pep Guardiola’s champions.
Sandwiched between the two are Liverpool, who face Manchester United at Old Trafford tomorrow. Only a victory will see the Anfield outfit regain their place at the summit, and we’ll be there to cover every kick.
It’s over to you, Jurgen.
Goodnight.
Copy linkCopiedArteta delighted to end Brighton run
Mikel Arteta praised Roberto De Zerbi and his Brighton team before acknowledging that his side had to be at their best to claim a huge three points.
I’m really happy. It was a big performance. They haven’t lost here since August, and they are a really good team and extremely well-coached, but we were outstanding today. We needed that level to beat them today.Mikel ArtetaSky Sports

Copy linkCopiedExtra! Read all about it!
It’s almost time to bring our coverage to a close but before we do, let’s relive an absorbing evening of Premier League action on the south coast with Dan King’s match report of Arsenal’s 3-0 win at Brighton.
This time, Bukayo Saka and Arsenal held their nerve as they returned to the top of the Premier League table. This time, perhaps they will still be there at the end of the season. In the Gunners’ 31st game of the last campaign, Saka had the chance to make it 3-1 against West Ham from the penalty spot. But he fired wide, the Hammers went on to equalise and Mikel Arteta’s side went on to bottle the title. A year on, Saka and Arsenal are made of sterner stuff.Dan KingThe Sun

Copy linkCopiedDe Zerbi pleased with effort
Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi praised his players for their effort in defeat to Arsenal – but bemoaned their injury crisis.
The Seagulls are currently without seven first teamers, and the Italian feels it is reason why his side failed to truly troubled the visiting defence.
The effort was good, and good enough to decide this game. We played a good first half, and until the second goal we were in the game. At this moment without a lot of important players it is tough to create a chance to score. We feel sorry for ourselves and our fans.Roberto De ZerbiSky Sports

Copy linkCopiedSeagulls shot down again by Gunners
After the shocking way Brighton ended Arsenal’s title challenge last season, the Gunners have roared back this time.
And after today, Mikel Arteta’s men have now won both Premier League meetings with the Seagulls in 2023-24 without conceding a goal.
It is the first time that Brighton have lost and failed to score home and away against an opponent in the Premier League since Roberto De Zerbi took charge at the club.
Copy linkCopiedSaka: We have the momentum
Arsenal star Bukayo Saka made a goalscoring return to the Arsenal line-up – and then warned title rivals Liverpool and Manchester City that his side are building momentum at the right time.
We’re all buzzing. We know the win takes us back on top so we’re happy. To come here and put in a top performance after playing three days ago shows we’re building momentum.Bukayo SakaSky Sports

Copy linkCopiedNow you’re Gunner believe us
Arsenal are back at the top of the Premier League – for now.
The Gunners have leapfrogged Manchester City and Liverpool with tonight’s win at Brighton, but Jurgen Klopp’s Reds can regain first place tomorrow if they win at Manchester United.
Credit: premierleague.com
Copy linkCopiedMatch stats from the Amex
Arsenal have kept five successive away clean sheets in the Premier League for just the second time, last doing so back in 1997.

Copy linkCopiedFull time – Brighton 0-3 Arsenal
Arsenal are back on top of the Premier League.
After Manchester City’s win at Crystal Palace earlier today, the Gunners have followed suit with a comprehensive victory here at the Amex.
A first half penalty from Bukayo Saka and second half goals from Kai Havertz and Leandro Trossard did the business from an attacking perspective while the defence clocked up another clean sheet on the road.

Copy linkCopiedBrighton 0-3 Arsenal – White yellow card
90+5. Ben White picks up a daft yellow in the final seconds for kicking the ball away, and with it brings the biggest cheer of the day from the home fans.
Copy linkCopiedBrighton 0-3 Arsenal
90+2. The Arsenal fans are singing in the rain.
Enjoy it, Gooners, because in a moment you’re going to have to spend an hour queuing up to get into the train station.
Copy linkCopiedBrighton 0-3 Arsenal
90. Gabriel is celebrating as if he has already won the Premier League.
With the board showing five minutes, the ball drops to Joao Pedro at the back post.
The Brighton substitute winds up a goalbound strike, one that the Arsenal defender throws himself at to block and preserve the clean sheet.

Copy linkCopiedBrighton 0-3 Arsenal – Arsenal double substitution
88. Mikel Arteta makes his final two changes, bringing off Kai Havertz and Martin Odegaard off to hero receptions.
On for a late runaround are Eddie Nketiah and Fabio Vieira.
Copy linkCopiedBrighton 0-3 Arsenal 
86. Three goals for Arsenal! Three points for Arsenal!
Pascal Gross is caught in possession by Kai Havertz midway inside the visitors’ half, and the ball falls kindly into the path for Leandro Trossard.
With nothing and nobody ahead of him, the Belgian puts his head down and goes, running 50 yards to bear down on Bart Verbruggen before dinking a beautiful finish over the stranded goalkeeper.
Advantage Arsenal in the title race!

Copy linkCopiedAgainst his former club!

Copy linkCopiedBrighton 0-2 Arsenal 
83. Brighton are pushing and pushing, committing more and more men forward, which usually means one thing.
Arsenal on the counter, anyone?
Copy linkCopiedBrighton 0-2 Arsenal 
81. Into the final ten, and Brighton are starting to dominate the ball for the first time tonight.
However, Arsenal’s are keeping them at bay – and seem very happy to do so.
Copy linkCopiedBrighton 0-2 Arsenal – Saliba yellow card
79. Now William Saliba picks up a caution.
It seems a harsh decision on the centre-back, whose challenge on Joao Pedro was minimal. In fact, it might have been given for the defender’s reaction to seeing a free-kick awarded.
Copy linkCopiedBrighton 0-2 Arsenal – Brighton substitution
77. The home side make their third change and it’s the end of the road for former Arsenal man Danny Welbeck.
As the striker goes off, the Amex welcomes back Barcelona loanee Ansu Fati for his first Premier League appearance since March 10.
Copy linkCopiedBrighton 0-2 Arsenal – Baleba yellow card
75. Carlos Baleba becomes the first player to see his name written into John Brooks’ notebook.
The Brighton midfielder is penalised for cynically pulling down Gabriel Martinelli after David Raya’s launch upfield had threatened a swift counter.
Copy linkCopiedBrighton 0-2 Arsenal 
73. Arsenal’s goal difference is now at +50, eight more than Liverpool and ten more than Manchester City.
How crucial that could be come the end of the season.
Copy linkCopiedBrighton 0-2 Arsenal – Brighton substitution
71. Another change for Arsenal.
Takehiro Tomiyasu comes on for the final stages, shoring up a defence vacated by Oleksandr ZInchenko.
Copy linkCopiedBrighton 0-2 Arsenal 
69. Trossard nearly rubs salts in Brighton wounds by scoring against his former club.
The Belgian’s driving run from midfield ends with a fierce low shot towards the bottom corner that Verbruggen does well to keep out.
Copy linkCopiedBrighton 0-2 Arsenal 
67. Kai Havertz now has nine Premier League goals this campaign, his most in a season since he moved to England.
Perhaps we are beginning to see the player Chelsea thought they had bought.
It’s incredible what coaching and tactics can do.
Copy linkCopiedBrighton 0-2 Arsenal – Arsenal double substitution
65. With his side’s lead doubled, Mikel Arteta takes the opportunity to make switches of his own.
Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka make way, and on come Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard, the latter to boos from his former supporters.
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ARSENAL continue their Premier League title run-in with a trip to Brighton this evening – and star man Bukayo Saka has returned!The Gunners could go top of the table with a win on the Seaside and put pressure on Liverpool ahead of their huge clash with Manchester United tomorrow.Title rivals Manchester City avoided an upset at Selhurst Park in today’s early kick off after coming from behind to beat Crystal Palace 4-2.Elsewhere, Brighton are still in the hunt for a place in Europe next season but have just one win from their last five Premier League games.
Kick off time: 5.30pm BST
TV channel: Sky Sports Main Event/Premier League
Live stream: NOW
Brighton starting XI: Verbruggen, Lamptey, Dunk, Van Hecke, Estupinan, Gross, Baleba, Enciso, Adingra, Welbeck, Moder
Arsenal starting XI: Raya, White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko, Jorginho, Rice, Odegaard, Saka, Havertz, Jesus
CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSLondoners continue to keep it clean
As mentioned earlier, Arsenal have kept four successive away clean sheets in the Premier League, the most recent being that big – albeit boring – goalless draw at Manchester City last Sunday.
Only once before in their league history have the Gunners kept five away clean sheets in a row, doing so between February and April 1997 under Arsene Wenger.
Copy linkCopiedWhite brings up Arsenal milestone
You won’t find him in the England team, but he’s a regular of Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal side.
And with his selection in today’s starting line-up, Ben White is set to make his 100th Premier League appearance for the Gunners.
Copy linkCopiedSaka and Rice return for Arsenal
Mikel Arteta rested some of his star names for the midweek win over Luton, but he’s brought four back for today’s trip to Brighton.
Returning are Declan Rice, Jorginho, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus as Thomas Partey, Emile Smith Rowe and Leandro Trossard drop to the bench; there is no place in the squad for Reiss Nelson.

Arsenal (4-3-3): 22 Raya; 4 White, 2 Saliba, 6 Gabriel, 35 Zinchenko; 8 Odegaard, 20 Jorginho, 41 Rice; 7 Saka, 29 Havertz, 9 Jesus
Substitutes: 1 Ramsdale, 5 Partey, 10 Smith Rowe, 11 Martinelli, 14 Nketiah, 15 Kiwior, 18 Tomiyasu, 19 Trossard, 21 Vieira
Credit: @Arsenal Twitter
Copy linkCopiedWelbeck starts against former club
Roberto De Zerbi is no stranger to making wholesale changes, he’s made more than any other Premier League manager this season.
It’s five tonight for the Italian boss, who brings in Tariq Lamptey, Pervis Estupinan, Jakub Moder, Julio Enciso and former Arsenal striker Danny Welbeck.
Subsequently, Joel Veltman, Igor, Facundo Buonanotte, Adam Lallana and Joao Pedro find themselves back on the bench.

Brighton (4-2-3-1): 1 Verbruggen; 2 Lamptey, 29 Van Hecke, 5 Dunk, 30 Estupinan; 20 Baleba, 15 Moder; 10 Enciso, 13 Gross, 24 Adingra; 18 Welbeck
Substitutes: 23 Steele, 3 Igor, 9 Pedro, 14 Lallana, 19 Barco, 31 Fati, 34 Veltman, 40 Buonanotte, 44 Peupion
Credit: @OfficialBHAFC Twitter
Copy linkCopiedSeagulls flying on home run
While Arsenal’s away form has the bene the subject of much attention, Brighton have been quietly building themselves a fortress by the sea.
Since losing 3-1 to West Ham back in August, the Seagulls are unbeaten in 12 Premier League home matches (W6 D6).
It is their longest unbeaten run at the Amex Stadium since promotion to the top-flight in 2017.
Copy linkCopiedGunners odds-on more away day joy
Arsenal’s recent form on the road has been nothing short of magnificent, and so it’s perhaps no surprise that the Londoners are majorly odds-on for another away victory tonight. The Gunners drew 0-0 at Manchester City a week ago, following 6-0 wins at Sheffield United and West Ham that sandwiched a 5-0 success at Burnley.

Brighton win 5/1
Draw 16/5
Arsenal win 1/2

Odds from Paddy Power correct at the time of post publication.
Copy linkCopiedGood afternoon from the Amex
Welcome to live SunSport coverage of Arsenal’s Premier League away match at Brighton and Hove Albion.
The title race turns its attention to the south coast and the Gunners as they’re presented with their opportunity to sit top of the pile.
After Manchester City won this lunchtime – and with Liverpool in action at Manchester United tomorrow – a similar three points for Mikel Arteta’s men will lift them above their two rivals for the night.
It’s a 5.30pm kick-off in Falmer, and confirmation of the starting line-ups will be with us shortly.

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WEST HAM’S battle for European football continues with a tough trip to Wolves.Kurt Zouma’s strike helped the Hammers earn a draw against Tottenham in their most recent encounter.James Ward-Prowse scored direct from a cornerCredit: ReutersWhile Gary O’Neil’s side failed to beat 19th-placed Burnley.
Kick-off time: 3pm BST
Live stream/TV: Not televised in the UK due to blackout
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CARLTON MORRIS’ last-gasp winner saved Luton’s skins against Bournemouth to keep them in the fight for survival. It had to start today for the Hatters, who would have felt a draw was a missed opportunity with the ominous prospect of a trip to Manchester City coming next for them.Carlton Morris scored a late winner to earn all three points for LutonCredit: AFPRob Edwards enjoyed the late goalCredit: RexMorris’ 90th-minute tap-in added to Jordan Clark’s 73rd minute equaliser, which cancelled out Marcus Tavernier’s 52nd minute opener, to put them level on 25 points Nottingham Forest who are one place above the drop zone.Ross Barkley blazed a wild shot over the bar early on but from there the hosts were under the cosh. There were rough and tumbles between Barkley and Ryan Christie, resulting in a free-kick which Marcus Tavernier cracked onto the post. The Cherries winger then grazed the left post with a low drive after being teed up by Dominic Solanke. Time and time again the Hatters were caught shirking their defensive duties and a blistering Bournemouth counter-attack finished with Justin Kluivert shaving a shot just shy of goal. Luton hit back though and an inch-perfect Alfie Doughty cross found Tahith Chong who shimmied between three Bournemouth shirts but rifled over. Bournemouth were still on top and could have nicked the opener had it not been for a superb save by Thomas Kaminski who clawed away a Antoine Semenyo header. Issa Kabore then heroically cleared off the line with his noggin after another Kluviert shot. CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAfter the break, the hosts started brightly as Carlton Morris forced Neto in a jaw-dropping save with a close-range attempt.But Bournemouth were relentless and a deserved opener came on 51 minutes. Every Premier League club’s most famous and also most surprising fanKluivert’s twinkle toes danced up the right flank before he teed up Tavernier outside the box who sent a fierce, low drive into the net.Luton knew it was do or die and Clark linked up with Morris before the striker cracked a low shot off the post.Doughty then curled a shot at goal but Neto comfortably mopped up the damage.Write off Rob Edwards’ battlers at your own peril though as they heroically pulled themselves back into it on 73 minutes.It all began with Clark who charged towards goal before linking up with substitute Luke Berry who was falling to the floor but still managed to tee up Clark.The midfielder finished the job by slotting home into the bottom corner to spark mayhem at Kenilworth Road.The home fans went even more bezerk on 90 minutes as Morris wrapped things up after popping up from six yards out to knock Cauley Woodrow’s cross into the bottom corner.Rob Edwards ran down the touchline to celebrate to show just how much a win meant as chants of “the Town are staying up” blared around the ground.HERE’S HOW IT HAPPENED… More

BRUNO Guimaraes was the difference – earning Newcastle all three points at Craven Cottage.The Brazil midfielder then kissed the badge on his shirt to declare his love for the club.Bruno Guimaraes kisses the badge on his shirt after he was linked with a move awayCredit: ReutersHe has been linked with a move away from the Toon.But, he clearly had a message for the away fans as his future lays in the balance.*MORE TO FOLLOW*CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS More

EVERTON host Burnley in a huge clash at the bottom of the Premier League table this afternoon.The Toffees will be hoping they can further separate themselves from the drop zone, while the Clarets are in desperate need of three points to give them any hope of top flight football next season.
Kick off time: 3pm
TV/Stream: Not available in UK due to 3pm blackout
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ASTON VILLA host Brentford in the Premier League this afternoon.Unai Emery’s side will be looking to bounce back from their midweek defeat to Manchester City as they look to cement their positon in the top-4.Brentford will be aiming to steer further away from the relegation zone and claim their first win since February 10.
Kick off time: 3pm
TV/Stream: Not available in UK due to 3pm blackout
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LET’S save the suspense: Kevin De Bruyne looks to have passed his audition to make the City team for Real Madrid on Tuesday.And Erling Haaland probably did enough to justify his inclusion too, after netting his 30th of the season in this rescue operation.Kevin De Bruyne was the star of the show for Man CityCredit: EPADe Bruyne stepped up as Foden was restedCredit: GettyHe scored twice as City came from behind to smash PalaceErling Haaland netted his 19th Prem goal this seasonCredit: PAThere was the slimmest of chances boss Pep Guardiola could bench his deadly duo for their Champions League quarter-final first leg at the Bernabeu after a few indifferent displays… though no one really believed it.They were left out of Wednesday’s 4-1 thrashing of Aston Villa as hat-trick hero Phil Foden, De Bruyne’s heir-apparent to the play-making throne at City, ran riot.This time it was Foden’s turn to watch on as a sub as De Bruyne put on a masterclass to dig Guardiola’s treble-winners out of trouble after Jean-Philippe Mateta’s shock opener.The brilliant Belgian thundered home two great strikes to book end efforts from Rico Lewis and Haaland in between, before a late consolation from Palace sub Odsonne Edouard.It made, in the end, for a relatively comfortable afternoon in Croydon, despite Guardiola’s warning pre-match that any dropped points would make a title charge “almost impossible”.And now the Spaniard can head to Madrid knowing two of his three key attackers are back in the groove ready to link up with man-of-the-moment Foden against Jude Bellingham and Co.City completely dominated the first half but bizarrely, were lucky that it was just the one goal they shipped after some sloppy errors.It came inside three minutes as John Stones needlessly gave the ball away, allowing the impressive Adam Wharton to set Mateta free.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSRuben Dias seemed to be almost daring the Frenchman to have a go, which he did, and beautifully found the target as the ball kissed the inside of the post.It sparked raucous celebrations inside Selhurst, not least from Eagles boss Oliver Glasner who ran down the touchline punching the air.Watch Bernardo Silva change mind on Premier League title race after Sky Sports reporter corrects him mid-interview Guardiola meanwhile was seething in his dugout, knowing what a gift his side had offered up in a game where they could ill-afford any mistakes.But City are not treble-winners for no reason, even if they are not hitting full stride right now.And in De Bruyne, they still have arguably the greatest attacking midfielder to grace the Premier League, along with Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard.Palace keeper Dean Henderson had done well to deny efforts from Julian Alvarez and Rodri, but there was nothing he could do about KDB’s zinger on 13 minutes.Jack Grealish did well to occupy three defenders and cut it back to De Bruyne, but the magic of the goal came from the shot the Belgian then unleashed which curled into the top corner.Eight minutes later De Bruyne should have had an assist to his name too as he sent Haaland through with an inch-perfect pass.But the out-of-sorts striker fired straight at Henderson. It was not exactly a League Two level effort, as Roy Keane may have put it, but certainly not enough to do the job in the top flight.The windy conditions were causing De Bruyne and Grealish’ coiffured barnets to fly about the place.City still looked sharp though as they calmly set about breaking down Palace’s rigid backline, as Alvarez tried his luck from distance.Yet nerves can do funny things to even the most seasoned pros at the business end of the season and with so much on the line.You do not get a more experienced player than Rodri, on a ridiculous run of 64 games without defeat for club and country going into this clash.But remarkably it was he who had his pocket picked by Jordan Ayew as the half wore on, only for the Ghanaian to thunder the ball against the crossbar.Rodri then had another moment of madness but it sparked one of genius from his stopper Stefan Ortega.The midfielder’s weak backpass almost allowed in Mateta, only for Ortega to nick the ball away from the burly forward with an impudent Cruyff turn.We are used to seeing City goalkeepers be good with their feet, but this was on another level from the German. Absolutely filth, as the kids say.A shaky end to the half from the visitors threatened to get worse when Eberechi Eze went down under Josko Gvardiol’s clumsy challenge in the box, but ref Paul Tierney was unmoved and VAR backed him up.Gvardiol, who had been booked for dissent, was hooked at half-time for Stefan Akanji.And within two minutes of the restart, Guardiola’s men were back in front thanks to another defender.Lewis controlled a loose ball in the box, after Joachim Andersen had only half cleared Grealish’s cross, and fired home off Jefferson Lerma sparking chants of “Rico, Rico” from the away end.This time it was Guardiola’s turn to punch the air in celebration, and relief will have washed over him when De Bruyne beat the offside trap to feed Haaland 19 minutes later.The Norwegian poked home for his first goal in six games for club and country – a tortuous drought by his standards – and now needs one more to make it 20 league goals for the term.De Bruyne completed what was ultimately a rout by fizzing home Rodri’s cutback shortly afterwards.And though Edouard’s clever finish underlined City’s surprisingly softer underbelly this season, Guardiola could still leave South London satisfied.That was in large part thanks to old faithful De Bruyne doing what he does best. 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