Arsenal move back to the top of the Premier League table after seeing off a stubborn Brighton side on Sunday at Emirates Stadium.
They remained top after Liverpool were held to a goalless draw by Manchester United.
The Gunners, now a point clear at the summit, claimed their success thanks to Gabriel Jesus‘ header and Kai Havertz‘s late strike.
Mikel Arteta‘s side dominated the first half against Brighton without reward, but the tension eased when Jesus turned in after a corner.
The hosts were almost punished when Pascal Gross poked a golden chance wide before Havertz sealed victory to spark joyous celebrations among a relieved home contingent.
The Seagulls, who were looking for a third successive league victory at Emirates Stadium, managed just one shot on target and drop to ninth place.
After a conservative first-half performance, Brighton offered more attacking threat in the final half an hour but anything other than a home win would have been scarcely deserved.
Arsenal had 26 shots in the match and almost added a third in injury-time when substitute Emile Smith Rowe’s low drive was saved.
With Liverpool frustrated at home by United, Arsenal now have 39 points from 17 games and next head to Anfield on Saturday for a crucial meeting with Jurgen Klopp‘s side.
