With a convincing victory over Brighton, Mikel Arteta’s team took back the top spot in the Premier League.

With a 3-0 victory over Brighton at the Amex on Saturday night, Arsenal decisively reclaimed the top spot in the Premier League.

Mikel Arteta’s team knew they had to react on the south coast after watching Manchester City pass them earlier in the day after winning 4-2 at Crystal Palace. They accomplished that with elegance, easily defeating Brighton, a team that hadn’t suffered a home league loss since September.

In the first half, Bukayo Saka opened the score from the penalty spot. Kai Havertz, who was outstanding, increased the visitors’ lead after the break. Late in the game, Leandro Trossard completed the task admirably after Havertz’s pass to ensure a commanding victory.

GOAL rates Arsenal’s players from the Amex Stadium…

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Goalkeeper & Defence

David Raya (8/10):

Made one stunning save to deny Enciso in the first half. Couple of misplaced passes early on, but a really strong performance all round.

Ben White (7/10):

Great battle with Julio Enciso. Enjoyed some good moments going forward, including one superb pass to set up a chance for Saka, but was given problems by the lively Brighton winger.

William Saliba (8/10):

Strong showing once again. Really calm in his own box as he looked to play away from danger.

Gabriel Magalhaes (8/10):

Should have scored early on with a header. Took a knock to his ankle, but still had a strong night against Danny Welbeck. Superb block late on to protect the clean sheet.

Oleksandr Zinchenko (6/10):

Struggled in the early stages, but grew into the game as it wore on. Linked up well with Gabriel Jesus at times.

Midfield

Jorginho (7/10):

Struggled at times when Brighton isolated him after playing through the press in the first half, but used his experience well. Superb play to set up the second goal for Havertz.

Declan Rice (8/10):

Good battle in midfield. Had to chase back a lot when Brighton found a way through the press. Covered a lot of distance. Almost scored right at the end.

Martin Odegaard (8/10):

Class once again. His quick feet and vision make him a joy to watch. Brilliant ball for Jorginho to help set up the second goal.

Attack

Bukayo Saka (6/10):

Stayed calm to score from the spot in the first half. Had put a golden chance wide before that.

Kai Havertz (9/10):

Was a handful for the Brighton defence all evening. Ran tirelessly and was rewarded with the second goal, which he finished well after a good run across the defender. Lovely assist for Trossard’s late strike as well. Excellent performance.

Gabriel Jesus (7/10):

Did a good job out on the left. Won the penalty with a superb touch and drop of the shoulder. Unlucky with one good effort in the first half which was well saved, but should have done better with a couple of headers.

Subs & Manager

Leandro Trossard (7/10):

Marked his return to his former club with a lovely goal to make it 3-0 late on.

Gabriel Martinelli (5/10):

Never really got into the game as Arsenal sat back and protected their lead.

Takehiro Tomiyasu (5/10):

Helped Arsenal see the game out.

Fabio Vieira (N/A):

On for the final few minutes.

Eddie Nketiah (N/A):

Got the last few minutes having replaced Havertz.

Mikel Arteta (8/10):

An almost flawless evening for the boss of Arsenal. His substitutions proved to be important in the second half, and the victory sets up a fantastic matchup with Bayern Munich in the Champions League first leg on April 9.