Arsenal overcame a resilient Brighton side to reclaim the top spot in the Premier League, at least temporarily, before Liverpool’s clash with Manchester United later on Sunday.
Gabriel Jesus’ header and Kai Havertz’s late strike secured the Gunners’ victory.
Despite dominating the first half without finding the net, Arsenal’s pressure paid off when Gabriel Jesus scored from a corner, easing the tension at the Emirates Stadium.
Brighton had a close call when Pascal Gross poked wide, but Kai Havertz’s late goal sealed the win, leading to jubilant celebrations among the home crowd.
Although Brighton, seeking their third consecutive league victory at the Emirates Stadium, posed more attacking threat in the final half-hour, they managed just one shot on target.
The result reflected Arsenal’s dominance, with 25 shots in the match, and they came close to adding a third goal through substitute Emile Smith Rowe in the dying moments.
Despite Brighton’s efforts, anything other than a home win would have been scarcely deserved.