Brighton 0-3 Arsenal – Premier League RECAP: Gunners back on top as Leandro Trossard returns to haunt his old club

Well, well, well… Another huge day in the the title race has been and gone – Arsenal end it on top of the pile.

The Gunners had to respond after Manchester City beat Crystal Palace in the early kick-off, and respond they did.

Going forward they were electric, putting three past Brighton, and defensively they looked like they could have gone another 90 minutes without conceding.

They have now kept five away clean sheets in a row. I don’t see how teams can break this Arsenal side down, they looked so solid.

Tomorrow comes the turn of Liverpool, who if are to return to the top of the table, will have to beat their bitter rivals Manchester United, at Old Trafford.

I will be back typing away for that one – I hope you don’t mind – so I will see you there!

Until next time, thank you for joining us at Mail Sport.

Let’s have a look at Arsenal’s remaining league fixtures:

• Aston Villa (H)
• Wolves (A)
• Chelsea (H)
• Tottenham (A)
• Bournemouth (H)
• Manchester United (A)
• Everton (H)

How many points do the Gunners pick up from their remaining seven games?

Mikel Arteta, Arsenal manager, speaking to Sky Sports:

[I’m] Really happy, a big performance. They [Brighton] hadn’t lost here since August and that tells you the story. Today we were outstanding. We showed a lot of quality, with the ball we are really connected. Without the ball, we were so disciplined. We were really humble to be in certain positions, and to be patient.

We are older. We went through a lot of moments together, the chemistry you build in the team is important. We signed some tremendous players as well. We’ve been through it as well and I think that helps. My enthusiasm is the same but you take it slightly differently. I’m just enjoying the moment and embracing it.

They might not have had the major share of the possession, but they didn’t need it, Arsenal peppered the Brighton goal tonight.

The stats show it all, Arsenal were impressive going forward, and solid at the back.

I’m pretty sure most of Brighton’s 10 shots came outside the area, I’d like to see the stat on that.

Anonymous: From front to back, we are built of the right stuff now! Combative, strong, organized, uncompromising, devastatingly good. Arsenal, Arsenal, Arsenal!!!

Very well put by this Arsenal fan, bar the ending… I’m not really a fan of that chant if you couldn’t tell already.

What a lovely little dink.

As Leandro Trossard ran through, I wondered what he would do, it was like he had all the time in the world.

He simply just drew out the keeper and chipped him expertly, it was a wonderful finish.

Look at the little grin when he celebrates too, you could see how happy he was to score against his former employers.

Just like the smoke in the photo, Brighton’s hopes of back-to-back European campaigns are fading away.

The Seagulls now sit 10th, five points behind West Ham in seventh spot, the task is looking tougher than ever.

Roberto DeZerbi’s men still have to face Chelsea, Man City, Aston Villa, and Newcastle.

If they are to get Europe, they need to improve quickly.

Bukayo Saka, Arsenal goalscorer, speaking to Sky Sports:

Inside we’re all buzzing, we know the win takes us back on top. We’re building momentum. I was struggling [prior to the game] but as long as I have two legs I’m going to give everything.

I have my routine, I always know where I’m going – since yesterday. I just put the ball on the spot, take a breath, relax, and execute it. I practice every day before the match. I wouldn’t say I’m the perfect taker. I practiced that yesterday and that’s exactly how it went. Penalties are a lot mental, I’ve learnt my lesson from before. Since then I’ve been trying to work hard. I’m happy that recently I’ve been scoring.

On how Arsenal have learned from last season:

Last season was not great but it was great in terms of we learnt our lesson. Games like this we need to put to bed. This year we feel more comfortable. I feel the team is better. From the keeper to the striker, you saw Kai and how hard he’s working. We know how we’re going to handle it. We go to win, that’s the mentality we have to have. We’re in a great position, we just need to continue.

I’ve mentioned it already, but those Arsenal fans sang their heart out today.

From the moment Kai Havertz’s goal to double the lead, all the way through to the end, those fans didn’t stop chanting.

Thankfully they didn’t just sing ‘Arsenal, Arsenal, Arsenal…’

They will be going back to London with smiles on their faces.

I’m going to have to talk about the Gunners again, just look at this stat.

Arsenal have kept five consecutive clean sheets away from home in the Premier League for the first time since April 1997.

David Raya may have been criticised at the start of the season, but he has proved his worth in recent months.

Obviously, Arsenal have to rely on Liverpool slipping up if they are to win the title, but they are doing everything they can possibly do.

Other Arsenal results have been impressive, but this one just feels a cut above the rest.

Liverpool had to battle hard to beat this Brighton side, while the Gunners made it look like there wasn’t even a fight.

Mikel Arteta will be delighted in that dressing room.

This Arsenal defence never looks like conceding.

They rarely concede chances, let alone goals, it’s incredibly impressive. Most of Brighton’s efforts came from distance.

If Arsenal are to win the title, you feel it is because of their defence.

The whistle is blown and Arsenal are top of the Premier League.

What a performance from the Gunners! Three goals, three points, and a clean sheet – it could not have gone any better.

Last season you felt Arsenal fading away this time of year, but not this season, this side is built differently.

Brighton couldn’t lay a glove on the Gunners, while the away side were clinical when they needed to be.

Something special is brewing in north London.

That Arsenal away end looks incredible.

This feels like a huge result in terms of the title race, and you can feel that Gunners fans believe that.

They are partying like they have won the title, it looks like great fun!

No, he’s not scored, he’s just made a fabulous tackle to keep the Arsenal clean sheet intact.

That’s how much it means to the Gunners back line.

Can Arsenal get any more?

Arsenal make their final changes of the evening.

Captain Martin Odegaard and goalscorer of the second kai Havertz come off, Fabio Viera and Eddie Nketiah are on.

This is a great scenario to come on to!

Arsenal aren’t settling for just three, they want more!

Declan Rice drives forward and sends a low-driven shot narrowly wide of the post.

There is a part ongoing behind the Brighton goal, Arsenal fans are having the time of their lives!

Arsenal are heading to the top of the league!

It’s Leandro Trossard against his former club, and it’s a lovely dinking finish on the counter-attack.

Pascal Gross gives the ball away and Kai Havertz sets Trossard free, he does the rest.

I asked whether he would celebrate, he simply holds his arms out wide with a smirk.

Gabriel shows off his best party tricks by juggling with the ball accidentally in the Brighton area, but he is eventually shielded out.

In my head, I could imagine my dad saying ‘hopa’ every time Martinelli kept hold of the ball.

William Saliba is the recipient of Arsenal’s first card of the evening.

The Frenchman is booked for a challenge into the back of Pervis Estupinan.

He was not happy about it!

This game feels like it’s petering out now that Arsenal have their second goal.

Brighton really don’t look like troubling Arsenal at the back, and to be honest, no team does at the moment.

It’s been a really professional performance once again from the Gunners.

Another change, this time for Brighton.

Ansu Fati is on for the Seagulls for former Arsenal man Danny Welbeck.

Welbeck struggled today, he hardly got a kick.

Another change for Arsenal.

Takehiro Tomiyasu gets a run-out as he comes on for Oleksandr Zinchenko.

We have just under 20 minutes to go.

Very good save from Bart Verbruggen!

The Belgian keeper scrambles down to his right to turn Leandro Trossard’s low effort around the post.

It would have been interesting to see if the Trossard would have celebrated had it gone in.

Arsenal fans are enjoying themselves now!

They have decided to ditch the chant of ‘Arsenal, Arsenal, Arsenal…’ and sing something with many more lyrics.

You feel their team are just over 20 minutes from being top of the table with seven games to go.

Well, at least for a day.

In the aftermath of the goal, both sides decide to make some changes.

Bukayo Saka was down injured while the goal was scored and he comes off alongside Gabriel Jesus for Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard.

The latter is booed by the Brighton fans on his return to the Amex.

Roberto De Zerbi has cut Julio Enciso’s evening short, bringing on Joao Pedro for him.

Facundo Buonanotte also comes on in place of Jakub Moder.

Maybe they aren’t unsettled after all!

Kai Havertz taps home a lovely Arsenal move from close range after some lovely link-up play from Martin Odegaard and Jorginho to set him up.

You feel that goal may have decided the game. Arsenal rarely concede, let alone twice!

The Gunners are well on their way to top spot.

The Seagulls are pressing Arsenal hard now and forcing the Gunners into some mistakes.

The crowd is reacting and getting in on the action.

This is just what they needed, the visitors are starting to look slightly more unsettled than they did in the first half.

Julio Enciso is looking the likely lad to make the difference for Brighton.

The Paraguayan battles hard to win a free-kick before driving his side into the box, winning a corner in the process. He then fires over from the set-piece

He just needs his teammates to step up with him now.

An awkward save from Bart Verbruggen.

Martin Odegaard let’s fly and it looks like a run-of-the-mill save for the Belgian keeper, but he looks uncomfortable with the movement and tips it over.

Nothing comes from the corner.

Brighton don’t like to shoot from inside the box, do they?

The Seagulls have another go from outside the area, this time it’s Pervis Estupinan who fires wide.

I think they just need to calm down when they have the ball, he should have whipped in a cross.

I think we have just had the best sing-off in history.

Arsenal fans beautifully chant ‘Arsenal, Arsenal, Arsenal…’ before Brighton supporters respond with ‘Albion, Albion, Albion…’.

It’s lyrical genius from the two sets of fans.

VAR checks for another Arsenal penalty for a handball from Tariq Lamptey, but it comes off his chest.

It’s waved away very quickly, but almost instantly Gabriel Jesus puts wide a header from close range.

The Gunners are gunning for that second goal from the off.

Brighton are on the front foot straight away.

Julio Enciso has a pop from distance again, but this time it’s a comfortable save from David Raya.

the hosts are going to have to start having chances from inside the box.

The Seagulls get the ball rolling again.

Will Arsenal continue controlling this game, or can Brighton hit back?

We will find out in the next 45 minutes!

Anonymous, from Manchester: I’ve just sneezed, give Arsenal a penalty for that. Joke decision.

I reckon this person is a Manchester City fan…

What will Roberto De Zerbi be saying in that dressing room?

Brighton have had some bright moments, but ultimately they don’t really look like scoring.

Arsenal haven’t conceded a goal in over seven hours of away football now. How can Brighton go about changing that?

Here is what separates the two sides at the interval.

It was a brilliant penalty, you never expect Bukayo Saka to miss these days, he is cool as a cucumber.

Isaan Khan, Mail Sport, at the Amex:

Mikel Arteta will be disappointed not to be more than one goal up. They had plenty of chances to double or treble the lead. Brighton have looked threatening on the break, so the Gunners will want a goal straight after the break.

As things stand, Arsenal are heading top of the league.

The Gunners are good value for their lead. They have created several chances, put Brighton under pressure, and ultimately went ahead thanks to Bukayo Saka’s spot kick.

After some bright moments early on, Brighton have struggled to deal with Arsenal’s passing patterns, and once again, the Gunners are solid at the back.

45 more minutes like that and we will have new league leaders.

Brighton fans cheer ironically after the linesman flags Ben White offside.

I think they believe they have been hard done-by the referee, but I’m not sure they have.

John Brooks has been in top form so far, if you ask me.

Brighton do well to get rid of the ball after some intricate passing from Arsenal in their area.

There was a lovely dink pass from Gabriel Jesus during that period of play, but Bukayo Saka couldn’t finish it off.

Arsenal are very good at football, aren’t they?

Wow, that’s a lot of added time.

I guess there have been a few injuries, plus a VAR check.

Will there be another goal before the break?

Matt Barlow, Mail Sport, at the Amex:

Arsenal worth their lead at the moment. Poor finishing cost them the chance to take an early grip on the game… but Saka penalty settled the nerves.

Lamptey might claim got a touch on the ball but he didn’t win it and his challenge stopped Gabriel Jesus moving in on goal.

What a save from David Raya!

We know Julio Enciso can hit them, and boy did he bend that shot beautifully from distance, but Raya was equal to it to tip it around the post at full stretch.

That save took everything Raya had available in his locker.

I spoke too soon, he is absolutely fine it seems.

That will be a relief for Mikel Arteta. We saw how much the team was affected when William Saliba missed last year’s run-in through injury. It would be similar if Gabriel got injured here.

Well, it’s fine because he is back on.

This doesn’t look good for Arsenal…

Gabriel is down receiving treatment after a tackle he made on Danny Welbeck.

The Gunners won’t want to lose him to injury, he is vital at the back!

Brighton are looking to respond quickly.

It seems going behind has lit a fire in the crowd as well as the team, they are well up for this now.

Pascal Gross swings in a free-kick, but it is cleared. I’m sure they will be looking to do better than that over the course of the match.

Bukayo Saka steps up and expertly slots it into the side netting, sending the keeper the wrong way.

Saka looked so calm stepping up to the spot, he never looked like missing, and he didn’t.

After a brief penalty check the penalty is awarded.

I think they have come to the right decision, it was a poor challenge.

John Brooks points to the spot after Tariq Lamptey wipes out Gabriel Jesus.

Lamptey is claiming he got some of the ball, but it looks like he only grazed it.

It feels like Arsenal are trying to walk the ball into the net.

The Gunners are playing some lovely football, as displayed there by Jorginho and Declan Rice, but they can’t find a way through this stubborn Brighton backline.

Patience will be needed by Mikel Arteta’s side.

Tariq Lamptey goes down under the challenge of Oleksandr Zinchenko as he sprints to try and take the ball around David Raya.

Brighton fans want a penalty but it is rightly not given.

If the ball played into Lamptey was played slightly later, he could have been in.

The Seagulls have regained a foothold in the game in the last few minutes.

Another Arsenal chance goes begging.

I will admit, this one is a little tougher. Gabriel gets on the end of a corner but can’t connect with his volley well enough to trouble the keeper.

The Arsenal defender then moans that he was impeded by Pascal Gross, and he may have a point.

The referee doesn’t agree though, and waves play on.

Ben White leaves a painful one on Pervis Estupinan, but of course, he is fine to continue.

Brighton use the time to break up Arsenal’s attacks, the Gunners are really starting to get a stranglehold on the game.

Will they take their next chance?

Arsenal need to start taking one of these chances.

It’s Gabriel Jesus this time who skews a header wide when he should at least be getting it on target.

It’s not like the Gunners, they are usually so clinical.

I was certain Bukayo Saka was about to fire Arsenal ahead, but after cutting inside in the area, he fires wide.

Arsenal then recycle the ball quickly and Gabriel Jesus forces a strong save from Bart Verbruggen.

It’s much better by Arsenal.

Brighton are not afraid to throw punches at this Arsenal side.

They are flying forward at will at the moment with Jakub Moder firing wide from the edge of the area.

They will want their chances to start coming in the area though, then they might trouble David Raya in the Arsenal net.

Every press that Brighton put on an Arsenal player is met with a huge roar from the crowd. They are up for this.

Arsenal have struggled to get going, as of yet and Julio Enciso has just blazed over on the counter-attack.

He’s ok and returns to the field after the customary 30-second wait.

After nearly going behind early, Brighton have controlled the ball in the early moments here.

They will want to make the most of it while they have it.

Jorginho is down and looks in a lot of discomfort.

It looks like the Arsenal midfielder got caught in between a lot of players following a Brighton corner.

Mikel Arteta will be hoping he can continue, the Italian has been brilliant this season.

Arsenal nearly get off to the perfect start as Martin Odegaard clips in a beautiful free-kick onto the head of Gabriel, but he can’t keep his effort on target.

That was a lovely cross, the Brazilian defender should have finished it.

An early warning for Brighton!

Matt Barlow, Mail Sport, at the Amex:

City moved first earlier with a win at the other end of the M23 and Arsenal’s task is to stay in step. They couldn’t do it last year but they look better set this time. Better for the experience. More depth in the squad. They should win this.

Arsenal have kept Brighton waiting, but now they get us underway at the Amex.

Arsenal love a fast start and they will want one here to set the precedent. Brighton love one too though, as shown last week at Anfield.

The Amex is bringing the noise, this match has the feeling of a classic.

The teams have arisen from the tunnel to a huge cheer from both sets of fans, and the game faces are on – it’s time to get serious.

There is also some fire being shot in the air, very fancy!

It is no secret that Labour leader, Keir Starmer, is a massive Arsenal fan.

Well, he is in attendance at the Amex and will be willing the Gunners on to victory.

Will Arsenal put a smile on his face?

Mikel Arteta, Arsenal manager, speaking to Sky Sports:

He’s [Bukayo Saka] been training good the last few days, the games are coming thick and fast.

We have a big task today, and we will have to be better than them in order to do that [win].

We asked the question, Mikel Arteta gave us the answer.

Bukayo Saka is fit to start tonight, which surprised a few after the news he missed training on Friday.

Going by this photo he looks in decent nick though, I wonder if this acrobatic effort found the back of the net.

Maybe he will try this at some point in the match.

Theo Walcott, former Arsenal attacker, speaking on Sky Sports:

The experience they [Arsenal] had from last season, Mikel [Arteta] will make sure they don’t make this mistake again. They’re not going to be fearful today.

That’s the difference I’ve noticed in this team, they know how to get through games.

The Arsenal players have taken to the pitch at the Amex for their warm-up, and it’s fair to say they look happy to be there.

Will they be smiling come 7.30pm though?

I would debate that the kit is more of a lime green, not yellow. But that’s me just being pedantic.

Anyway, Arsenal have decided to go with their away strip today as Brighton have white on their kit.

Is it necessary? I guess so. There is a slight kit clash, although Arsenal have worn red at the Amex in the past.

The atmosphere is bubbling at the Amex as the fans arrive for this clash.

The Brighton fans will need to be at their best if they are to push their side on to beat title-chasing Arsenal.

It’s like they will have to almost suck the ball into the net, as it’s not easy to score against the Gunners.

It’s a big day for Julio Enciso.

It’s been a tough season for the Paraguay international, he has only made six appearances this term due to an injury wiping him out for six months.

Enciso has struggled to find his form from last campaign since his return, but on his day he can produce the goods.

Roberto De Zerbi will be hoping he has his day today!

I feel it’s fair to say it’s not been Gabriel Jesus’ best season goal scoring-wise.

Due to injury and inconsistency, Jesus has found it hard to break into the side in the striker position. He has been deployed as a left-winger recently and is there today.

Jesus has only scored one goal in his last eight Premier League matches, and only four all season.

The Brazilian will be desperate to get back amongst the goals, is tonight the night he does that?

It feels like just yesterday Ben White was in a Brighton shirt.

Well, today he is set to make his 100th Premier League appearance for Arsenal, against his former side.

Time really does fly, doesn’t it? White has been a brilliant bit of business for Arsenal, he’s one of the reasons their defensive record is so good.

I bet he would love a clean sheet to mark the big occasion.

Roberto De Zerbi is not afraid to make changes when he feels the side needs it.

He’s certainly done that today, making five in total. I am surprised Joao Pedro drops to the bench, but Danny Welbeck does do well in De Zerbi’s system.

Can the former England international fire in another cracker like he did last week?

I bet he would love to against his former team.

Roberto De Zerbi has not held back, he’s made five changes to the side that played out a stalemate with Brentford in midweek.

Julio Enciso, Jakub Moder, Danny Welbeck, Tariq Lamptey, and Pervis Estupinan all come in.

Joao Pedro is one of the casualties after returning from injury against the Bees, he’s on the bench.

Bukayo Saka isn’t just involved, he starts.

Declan Rice, Jorginho, and Gabriel Jesus also all come into the side as Mikel Arteta makes four changes.

Arsenal are back at full strength again.

Arsenal have arrived on the south coast.

A certain Bukayo Saka has stepped off the team bus, which suggests he will be involved in some way.

Game faces are active, they have a job to do.

This is a question that has been asked all week.

Bukayo Saka had featured in 104 out of a possible 105 league matches before Arsenal’s win over Luton, in which he sat out.

Many thought that was to give him a much-needed rest, but maybe it was more serious than that.

Mikel Arteta has said Saka faces a late fitness test, and he was not seen in training on Friday.

Will the England international be fit to make the squad? We will find out in just over five minutes.

Please tell me everybody read that sub-heading in the voice of Gandalf. Well, that’s what I did as I wrote it.

The saying reigns very true with Arsenal at the moment, they have conceded just one goal and faced only five shots on target in their last five away league matches.

The Gunners have the best defensive record in the league, having only conceded 24 goals this season.

The impressive record is largely down to the partnership between William Saliba and Gabriel. They have been rocks at the back,

Will they grab another clean sheet today?

The top three spots in this title race are forever interchanging.

After Manchester City’s win earlier, Arsenal now sit third in the Premier League but can go a point clear at the summit with a win over Brighton today, as Liverpool don’t play until tomorrow.

Arsenal haven’t lost in the league since the turn of the year, and the way they are playing at the moment, you feel that run could continue at the Amex.

However, Brighton are no slouch. Roberto De Zerbi’s side pushed Liverpool to their limits at Anfield last week, and are known for getting in Arsenal’s way.

Today’s class is a mouth-watering prospect, let’s hope it delivers.

Oh would you look at that, I’m back again, I hope you all didn’t miss me for too long.

So, now that Manchester City have done their job in this enthralling title race, it’s now the turn of Arsenal.

The Gunners can retake top spot from Liverpool with a win over Brighton, but it won’t be straightforward, the Seagulls are fighting for Europe.

Mikel Arteta’s side barely got out of second gear against Luton in midweek, but you’d expect them to be pushed hard by Roberto De Zerbi’s side today.

I can’t wait for this one, can you? This title race has me well and truly gripped, and it’s not letting me go.

Can Arsenal respond to City? Let’s find out.