Arsenal player ratings vs Brighton: Kai Havertz reborn while Jorginho proves King of control

Arsenal moved back to the top of the Premier League with a victory at Brighton.

Bukayo Saka opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the first-half after Gabriel Jesus was brought down in the box.

The Gunners then doubled their lead in the second-half when Kai Havertz finished off Jorginho’s cut-back.

The win - and top spot - was then secured late on when substitute Leandro Trossard made it 3-0 to Arsenal.

Simon Collings was at the Amex to see Arsenal in action...

David Raya 7

Made a brilliant save just before half-time to deny Julio Enciso’s curling effort. Was largely untroubled other than that.

Ben White 6

Back at his old club and put in a solid display. Made some great runs forward on the overlap in the first-half.

William Saliba 7

Nullified the threat of former Arsenal striker Danny Welbeck, who didn’t get a sniff. Another solid performance from the Frenchman.

Gabriel 6

Missed a glorious chance after one minute when he headed wide from a free-kick. Passing a bit sloppy in the first-half.

Oleksandr Zinchenko 6

Typically involved in a lot of Arsenal’s build-up play as he looked to get on the ball. Still had the odd heart-in-mouth moment defensively, though.

Martin Odegaard 7

At the heart of so much of Arsenal’s good play and unlucky to not get on the scoresheet himself. Seems to be peaking as the run-in begins.

Jorginho 8

Back in the team and brought control to the midfield. He should be tasked with a similar role against Bayern Munich on Tuesday. Setup Arsenal’s second goal. The King of Control.

Declan Rice 7

A quieter afternoon for the England star, who was used in an advanced role again. Enjoyed a good battle with Brighton youngster Carlos Baleba.

Bukayo Saka 7

Back in the team after missing the win over Luton with a muscle issue. His penalty means he has now scored 30 goals and assists combined this season.

Kai Havertz 8 | Star player

Even with Jesus back, he is keeping his spot as Arsenal’s No9 - and deservedly so. Scored Arsenal’s second and setup their third. Looks reborn since leaving Chelsea.

Gabriel Jesus 6

Should have come away from this with a goal. Missed two good headed chances in either half. Defensively excellent, though.

Substitutions

Leandro Trossard (Jesus 64’) 7

Wrapped up the win with a brilliant finish after racing clear from the halfway line.

Gabriel Martinelli (Saka 64’) 6

Handed a rare outing on the right wing.

Takehiro Tomiyasu (Zinchenko 72’) N/A

Eddie Nketiah (Havertz 89’) N/A

Fabio Vieira (Odegaard 89’) N/A

Subs not used: Ramsdale, Kiwior, Partey, Smith Rowe.