Arsenal secured an impressive 3-0 victory away at Brighton to temporarily move to the top of the Premier League, in what was a complete performance.
Brighton were unbeaten at home since August, and this promised to be a tough game for Mikel Arteta’s side, but they cruised through with ease and should have perhaps scored more.
Gabriel Magalhaes and Gabriel Jesus missed chances very early on as Arsenal fired in shots at Brighton’s goal, and the visitors eventually found the breakthrough after Bukayo Saka scored a penalty after Jesus was fouled by Tariq Lamptey.
Arsenal then continued to dominate in terms of shots, whilst Brighton did threaten through Julio Enciso, before Kai Havertz doubled the lead in the second half.
Substitute Leandro Trossard then haunted his former club with a cooly finished third goal late on, whilst Arsenal kept Brighton at bay with another outstanding defensive performance.
Arsenal player ratings in 3-0 win at Brighton
David Raya – 7
Had little to do apart from an excellent save from Enciso in the first half. Passing was below his usual high standard.
Ben White – 7
Strong performance on the right against his former club. Supported Saka well going forward, but was sometimes careless on the ball. Picked up an unnecessary yellow card at the end.
William Saliba – 9
Dominant in the air and composed on the ball. Dealt with Brighton’s attackers with ease. Some excellent contributions to build-up play.
Gabriel Magalhaes – 8
Outstanding defensively again, brilliant block at the end which the £27m star celebrated like a goal. Sloppy at time with his long passing but another impressive display. Could have scored twice as he threatened well at set-pieces.
Oleksandr Zinchenko – 7
Supported attacks well, but was targeted by Brighton as they isolated him for a few attacks in the first half. Covered those angles well defensively to stop Simon Adingra creating anything but was beaten on two occasions.
Declan Rice – 8
Covered an incredible amount of ground contributing in both attack and defence. Another complete performance where he also impressed with his dribbling, putting a late shot just wide.
Jorginho – 8
Brilliant assist for Havertz for the second goal as he picked out the German with an exquisite cross. Dictated play well but was beaten physically late on. Composure was vital for Arsenal.
Martin Odegaard – 7
Helped Arsenal drive forward but could have created more with the space he had. Strong work-rate throughout again.
Bukayo Saka – 8
Dispatched his penalty cooly, but should have scored early on as he flashed a shot wide. Threatened well all game before coming off after the second goal.
Kai Havertz – 9
Easily the best player on the pitch. Scored the second goal with a smart finish, and created the third with a perfect through-ball to Trossard. Caused Brighton’s defence nightmares with his movement and created some good chances for his teammates.
Gabriel Jesus – 8
Won the penalty with an excellent run into the box, and looked lively on the left as he threatened with several chances. Good work rate to cover defensively whilst still recovering from injury.
Substitutes
Gabriel Martinelli – 7
Leandro Trossard – 9
Fabio Vieira – 7
Eddie Nketiah – 6
Takehiro Tomiyasu – 7