Arsenal returned to the top of the Premier League table with a commanding 2-0 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday at the Emirates Stadium. Second half goals from Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz sealed the win for Mikel Arteta who was desperate for the win following last weekend’s disappointing defeat against Aston Villa.
Arsenal dominated the first half, pinning the visitors back to their half but could not fine a breakthrough due to Brighton’s strong performance and some wayward finishing. Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka had opportunities to score but were denied.
Arsenal had 15 shots in the first half and 3 on targets while Brighton barely had a touch in Arsenal’s penalty area, leaving David Raya a spectator. The Gunners increased the level of their pressure in the second half and were rewarded with a goal eight minutes after the restart before Havertz finished off a great move in the second half to seal all three points for the Gunners.
David Raya (GK) – 6.5/10 – Had little to do in the match but was on hand to contribute when his attention was needed. Released Gabriel Martinelli with a great long throw which nearly producced a goal. Ended the game with a cleansheet which is always welcomed by goalkeepers.
William Saliba (CB) – 7/10 – Saliba is arguably the best centre back in the Premier League. He and his partner knew exactly what to do to deny Brighton any opportunity to attack and he did that brilliantly, marking Evan Ferguson out of the game.
Gabriel Magalhaes (CB) – 7/10 – Like his partner, he stuck to his task of denying Brighton striker Ferguson any chance to play the ball. Even followed him all the way to their penalty area to stop him from building any play. Solid performance as always.
Benjamin White (RB) – 7/10 – Nearly scored from a Martinelli corner when he flicked the ball towards the net, the goalkeeper was beaten but Lewis Dunk cleared the ball off the line for a corner kick.
Oleksandr Zinchenko (LB) – 7/10 – Help Arsenal controlled the game and was solid all round. Had a few iffy moments, losing the ball with a stray pass but it was a solid performance from the Ukrainian.
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Hasibur Rahaman is a passionate sports journalist. He covers everything from cricket to field hockey, delivering up-to-the-minute updates and in-depth analysis of sporting events, both within India and on the international stage.
