Arsenal vs Brighton LIVE: Premier League result and final score as Jesus and Havertz goals send hosts top
Arsenal 2-0 Brighton: Hosts move temporarily top of the table after second-half strikes from Jesus and Havertz
Arsenal moved temporarily top of the Premier League as they coasted to a comfortable 2-0 home win against Brighton courtesy of goals from Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz.
Mikel Arteta’s side dominated much of the early opening exchanges but struggled to find an opening in the first half, with Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Martinelli spurning golden opportunities.
However, their pressure would eventually tell in the second period when Jesus made the most of a defensive error from a corner to put the home side in front.
Brighton, who earlier in the week secured their place in the Europa League knockout rounds, could not reproduce a similar level of performance, with the result put beyond doubt in the 88th minute when Havertz cooly slotted under Verbruggen.
Relive the match action from our blog, below:
Arsenal vs Brighton & Hove Albion
Saka pounces upon a loose ball in the Brighton defence before racing into the box and firing, though his effort is always rising and flies high over the crossbar.
Arsenal vs Brighton & Hove Albion
It has been a very frustrating first half for the Gunners, who just cannot quite seem to find a way through this resilient Brighton defence.
Arsenal vs Brighton & Hove Albion
The fourth official puts up his board and indicates there will be four minutes of additional time at the end of this first half.
Arsenal vs Brighton & Hove Albion
Mitoma drags back Saka and receives a booking for his troubles. Arteta also receives a yellow card for his protestations on the sidelines.
Arsenal vs Brighton & Hove Albion
Brighton are yet to record a shot in this game. It's been all one-way traffic, yet the scoreline remains goalless as we close in on half-time.
Arsenal vs Brighton & Hove Albion
Brighton hearts are in mouths again as Martinelli gets to the byline before trying to cross. Verbruggen diverts the ball back into the danger area, but a couple of his defenders converge to block Havertz's shot.
Arsenal vs Brighton & Hove Albion
Zinchenko wins a foul after being brought down by Adingra, but the Arsenal man's attempts to play a quick free-kick are brought back by the referee, much to the home crowd's frustration.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments