Arsenal back at the summit after wearing down Brighton

Arsenal put in a dominant display to return to winning ways as they saw off Brighton at the Emirates Stadium.

The Gunners were well-beaten by Roberto De Zerbi's men in the corresponding fixture last season, all but ending their Premier League title charge in the process.

This 2-0 victory in an entertaining contest – coming after defeat at Aston Villa eight days ago – would have helped banish some of the ghosts of that defeat while keeping Mikel Arteta’s side very much in the mix at the top of the table.

Gabriel Jesus’ all-round game was exceptional throughout but it was his back-post header from close-range that broke the deadlock, before a cool Kai Havertz finish wrapped up the three points for Arsenal – who also become the first team to prevent Brighton scoring in a league game this season.

The Seagulls’ Europa League exerts arguably caught up with them as they were largely toothless throughout, managing just one shot on target.

Bukayo Saka, up against the experienced James Milner in a mismatch for pace down Arsenal’s right, had a couple of early efforts blocked, while Martin Odegaard curled a shot just wide of the post.

Gabriel Martinelli fired over when he should have done better as Arsenal dominated the chances in a very watchable first half, although Arteta will not want to see replays of his booking from referee Tim Robinson – his fourth of the season having only returned to the touchline after being banned at Aston Villa.

David Raya had enjoyed a quiet first half in the Arsenal goal but would have had his heart in his mouth as he failed to catch a routine Simon Adingra cross before claiming at the second attempt.

Saka missed the target with a great chance on the stroke of half-time while Odegaard should have opened the