Arteta’s Arsenal overcome Brighton challenge to retake EPL lead

Arsenal reclaimed their position at the summit of the English Premier League table with a commanding 3-0 triumph over Brighton and Hove Albion at the Amex Stadium on Saturday evening. The Gunners’ dominant display saw them extend their lead at the top, underscoring their credentials as title contenders.

The visitors started with intent, as Gabriel Magalhães came close to breaking the deadlock within the opening two minutes but his header narrowly missed the target. While Julio Enciso threatened for the hosts on the counter, Arsenal largely dictated the early exchanges, with Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus both going close to opening the scoring.

The breakthrough came midway through the first half, as Saka coolly converted a penalty after Jesus was brought down in the box. The Gunners’ lead was preserved before the interval, with a superb save from David Raya denying Enciso from long range.

The second half saw Brighton’s Paraguayan forward Enciso continue to pose a threat, but Arsenal soon regained control of the game. Jesus headed wide from Kai Havertz’s cross, before the latter doubled the visitors’ advantage, tapping home Jorginho’s pass.

Leandro Trossard, a former Brighton player, came off the bench to a hostile reception but had the last laugh, chipping over Bart Verbruggen to round off the scoring and secure a commanding away victory for Mikel Arteta’s men. The result sees Arsenal temporarily reclaim the top spot, while Brighton’s 12-match unbeaten run in the EPL comes to an end.