Arsenal reach the top as Saka, Havertz and Trossard devastate Brighton | first division

It wasn't just the victory, although it was clearly the most important thing for Mikel Arteta and Arsenal, something that would return them to the top of the table. first division table. It was the way to do it; how they absorbed everything Brighton threw at them before pulling away during a second-half masterclass in strength and control.

The success or otherwise of Arsenal's title challenge will surely be determined on the road and this was the first of four trial assignments; the others will come from Wolves, Tottenham and Manchester United. Brighton were unbeaten in their previous 14 matches in all competitions at the Amex Stadium; They were on a club record run of 12 home games in the top flight without losing. And for much of the first half, they showed why. They were skilled with the ball and precise in their movements. They asked questions.

Arsenal had the answers. The game turned in their favor in the 33rd minute when Tariq Lamptey decided to attack Gabriel Jesus inside the area. Although Brighton's right-back chipped a little off the ball first, he was awarded a penalty when he collided with Jesus. Bukayo Saka's conversion from the penalty spot was firm and precise.

As for the second half, it was a message for Liverpool and Manchester City. Arsenal's second goal was trailing and when Kai Havertz, who was excellent in the number 9 role, scored it, that was pretty much it.

A red flare illuminated the scene behind the goal and Arsenal were not done, claiming their 10th league win in 11 games (the other match). It was the draw at City – when Havertz sent substitute Leandro Trossard away. He faked a shot, sitting up the goalkeeper, Bart Verbruggen, before going over him.

It was a day when a former Brighton player… right back Ben White – shone in a powerful defensive team. Now another, in Trossard, had twisted the sword. It was the impetus for thousands of Brighton fans to head for the exits. His equipment had been dismantled. and even Roberto De Zerbi was sitting, having finished the Brighton manager's dervish and technical area act.

Arsenal's traveling fans loved watching their players harass Gabriel Magalhães when he made a stoppage-time block to keep a clean sheet. And when they looked up, they could see the most vivid rainbow arcing over them. Cue the pot of gold finials.

Brighton were badly affected by injuries, but they had come to play, as always. The amplitude of his passes was impressive at the beginning and the declaration of intentions came in the ninth minute with a great play from area to area, driven by Lamptey. It ended with Julio Enciso shooting high. De Zerbi tried to target Oleksandr Zinchenko, Arsenal's left back, to face Simon Adingra in a one-on-one match.

Arsenal had their chances before the penalty. Gabriel had missed a header from a Martin Ødegaard free kick in the second minute and Saka caused a purple patch for his team in the 12th minute when he angled just over the far post. White had created the opening; I was in the mood. Jesus made a good save from Verbruggen, while the Arsenal striker made a mistake when he headed a cross from Havertz instead of going on goal.

The penalty was a split-second decision by Lamptey and he surely wouldn't commit it again.

It was a challenge that demonstrated his inexperience, according to De Zerbi; It was forceful and enormously risky. Jesús was not in an obviously dangerous area either: on the left edge of the area.

Arsenal's quality on the ball shone brightly, their exchanges quick, especially in tight areas. Enciso had come close to equalizing in the 44th minute, curling into the far top corner, but David Raya was equal. It was all Arsenal after the restart.

White was disappointed when he fell in an exaggerated manner, feeling that Pervis Estupiñán put a hand on his face. Fortunately, the referees did not take any action against the Ecuadorian midfielder. White became the villain in the eyes of the local public.

Arsenal, however, took a step further up the field. They increased the intensity. Ødegaard's influence grew to the point that the only thing he lacked was a conductor's baton. Jesus headed wide after attacking Havertz's cross as Ødegaard worked on Verbruggen and it was no surprise when Arsenal doubled their lead.

The aim was to publicize the patterns that Arteta works so tirelessly to instill; the touches and movements. Enciso played a loose ball, which was eaten up by Jorginho and then White got to Ødegaard and retreated down the right inside channel to Jorginho, who had not stood still. Havertz launched himself towards the near post; A low cross from Jorginho gave him a touch.

Trossard extended Verbruggen in the 70th minute and the goalkeeper also made a late save from Declan Rice. For Brighton, it could have been even worse.