ARSENAL returned to the top of the Premier League table with a hard-fought victory against a plucky Brighton side.
The Seagulls had beaten Arsenal on their last three trips to the Emirates.
And the Gunners would have feared the worst after squandering several opportunities to go ahead in the first half.
However, any concerns were quickly stamped out with Gabriel Jesus needing just seven second-half minutes to put Arsenal in front.
Kai Havertz followed up with a second for the Gunners in the 87th minute, just as Brighton were finally starting to pile on the pressure.
Here’s how SunSport’s Harry Garside rated the Gunners.
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David Raya – 5
Sloppy with his distribution with numerous passes failing to find his man, much to the frustration of the Arsenal fans.
Had a late scare in the first half when he failed to catch the ball at the first attempt.
And he could’ve easily diverted into his own net.
Otherwise, the Spaniard was kept extremely quiet thanks to a classy display from the Arsenal back four.
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Ben White – 7
Kept Brighton’s star man Kaoru Mitoma incredibly quiet throughout the game.
Gave Bukayo Saka plenty of help on the right wing with his trademark overlapping runs.
Almost doubled Arsenal’s advantage with a brilliant flick on, but Lewis Dunk somehow denied him with a last-ditch header off the line.
Gabriel – 7
Very impressive in defensive work. Didn’t give Evan Ferguson any time to get the ball down and play.
Got on the end of a Gabriel Martinelli cross and steered his header towards goal, but it wasn’t enough to really trouble the Brighton stopper.
William Saliba – 7
Like his team-mate, forced Evan Ferguson into having one of his quietest games in a Brighton shirt.
As always, his reading of the game was exceptional and he stepped out into midfield on a number of occasions to start the attack.
Oleksandr Zinchenko – 6
Caught out a couple of times by the skilful Simon Adingra in the first half, but luckily his Arsenal team-mates were on hand to clear the danger.
Had a growing influence in the second half by taking up Granit Xhaka-like positions on the left-hand-side.
Declan Rice – 7
Unplayable once again in midfield.
Made several runs from deep to trouble the Brighton defence and was immense in his defensive effort with Arsenal holding onto their narrow advantage.
Martin Odegaard – 7
Another impressive display from the Norwegian as he celebrated his 25th birthday.
Despite Brighton packing out the midfield, the playmaker managed to find plenty of space and carved out several chances.
Could have, and probably should have, added a couple of goals himself.
Kai Havertz – 6
Got himself on the scoresheet in the 87th minute, which spared his blushes after a disappointing display.
Made a few simple passes and linked up well with Martin Odegaard at times, but lacked the confidence to go for the killer pass or break through the lines of the Brighton midfield.
Also missed a header from four yards out to kill the game off much earlier than he did.
Gabriel Martinelli – 7
Caused both Joel Veltman and Jack Hinshelwood all kinds of problems throughout with his frightening pace.
Missed a sitter in the first half after being slipped through by Bukayo Saka with the goal at his mercy.
Bukayo Saka – 7
Gave James Milner nightmares with his trickery particularly in the first half.
Would have been disappointed not to add his name to the scoresheet after carving himself numerous opportunities.
Helped Ben White defensively against the tricky Kaoru Mitoma.
Gabriel Jesus – 8
Arsenal’s striker enjoyed a lot of his success down the left-hand side after linking up impressively with Gabriel Martinelli.
Showed his striker’s instinct to head home at the back post and give Arsenal a well-deserved lead.
And while many are suggesting Arsenal need a new number nine to win the title, Jesus is showing why he won’t go away quietly.
Subs
Emile Smith-Rowe – 6
Almost scored his first goal in an Arsenal shirt since a 4-2 victory over Chelsea 606 days ago, but his powerful strike was thwarted by Verbruggen.
Eddie Nketiah – N/A
Jakub Kiwior – N/A
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Reiss Nelson – N/A
Leandro Trossard – N/A
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Anthony Chapman
