Arsenal return to EPL summit

Arsenal leapfrogged Liverpool at the top of the Premier League with a 3-0 win at Brighton on Saturday after Kevin De Bruyne scored twice in Manchester City’s victory at Crystal Palace.

Goals from Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz and Leandro Trossard lifted the Gunners to 71 points – one clear of Jurgen Klopp’s men, who are tied on 70 points with defending champions City.

Liverpool face a trip to mercurial Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday in the next chapter of a thrilling three-way title race.

Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal have now won 10 of their past 11 league games and have added steel to style after faltering badly in the home straight last season.

The Gunners boss hailed his team’s maturity and cleverness against a side who had not lost at home since August.

“In attack and defence we had big performances individually,” he told the BBC. “We missed some big chances but the team looked really connected and had purpose. The last pass and shot to finish the situation could have been better, but it doesn’t matter as we kept going.”

Arsenal, who have not been crowned league champions since 2004, dominated the first half at the Amex Stadium but needed a penalty to take the lead.

The breakthrough came when Gabriel Jesus was brought down by Tariq Lamptey and the returning Saka sent Bart Verbruggen the wrong way for his 14th Premier League goal of the season in the 33rd minute.

Arsenal doubled their lead shortly after the hour mark when Jorginho set up Havertz at the near post for a simple tap-in and Trossard made it three with a deft chipped finish.

In the early kick-off, De Bruyne netted twice and top scorer Erling Haaland hit his 19th league goal of the season in City’s 4-2 win at Selhurst Park.

Jean-Philippe Mateta gave the home side a shock early lead but De Bruyne levelled in the 13th minute.