Arsenal returned to the top of the Premier League table with a 2-1 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion at the Emirates Stadium. Goals from Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz secured the win, setting up a crucial clash with Liverpool at Anfield next weekend.
Jesus opened the scoring in the 53rd minute, heading in from close range after Brighton defender Jan Paul van Hecke flicked on a corner. Havertz doubled the lead late on, racing clear to slot under goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen. Brighton pulled one back through Pascal Gross, but it was too little, too late.
Arsenal dominated proceedings, with Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, and Gabriel Martinelli causing constant problems. Brighton, who had won their last three visits to the Emirates, struggled to create chances and failed to score in a Premier League game for the first time in 33 matches.
The win moves Arsenal level on points with Liverpool, who were held by Manchester United earlier in the weekend. With Manchester City heading to the Club World Cup, the top two spots are clear, setting up a pivotal encounter at Anfield on Saturday before Christmas.
