Arsenal defeat Brighton to go top

Title challenging Arsenal managed to eventually cruise to a crucial 2-0 defeat of Brighton and Hove Albion at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

Mikel Arteta’s Gunners were left frustrated in the first-half with their general dominance going without reward before half-time.

Arsenal had to wait until the 53rd minute of the match to open the scoring but it was their Brazilian number nine, Gabriel Jesus, who managed to convert for the hosts after a period of pressure which had led to a corner.

Despite having just one shot on target in the match, Brighton did very nearly level later on in the second-half when Pascal Gross poked wide of the post.

Gross’ international teammate, Kai Havertz, did then eventually double the hosts’ lead and secure all three points in the 87th minute from an Eddie Nketiah assist.

Arsenal very nearly added a third in second-half stoppage-time via Emile Smith Rowe but it was not to be and the north Londoners had to settle for a 2-0 victory instead.

With Liverpool facing Manchester United later on Sunday, Arsenal have moved back to the top-of-the-table for a few hours at least as they head into the hectic festive schedule.