Toolbox’s title charge reveals no indications of slowing, with Mikel Arteta’s group extending their unbeaten go to 11 video games in the Premier League with a dominant 3-0 success at Brighton.
Bukayo Saka’s first-half charge got Arsenal car at the Amex Stadium before Kai Havertz and previous Brighton male Leandro Trossard rounded things off to fire the north Londoners to the top of the league following Manchester City’s earlier 4-2 win at Crystal Palace.
Liverpool might go back to the league top after their video game versus Manchester United on Sunday however Arsenal’s title aspirations stay in impolite health.
Art de Roche breaks down the primary talking points from the Amex.
Saka continues to provide when it matters
Bukayo Saka’s ruthlessness continues to reach brand-new heights.
The winger reached 30 objective participations for Arsenal this season in all competitors by putting them ahead versus Brighton with his 5th Premier League charge of the season, leaving any doubts over his spot-kick qualifications even further in the rear-view mirror.
Toolbox started the season by switching takers. Saka, Martin Odegaard, and Kai Havertz all took charges before the brand-new year, however the England worldwide has actually been the sole taker in the league ever since, scoring all 3.
The 22-year-old’s last 2 (versus Brighton today and in the charge shootout win over Porto) have actually epitomised his ruthlessness. Both were drilled low to the goalkeeper’s right, leaving neither Diogo Costa nor Bart Verbruggen any opportunity of conserving.
Saka had some intense minutes in the video game– a first-half shot simply large and a possibility produced for Gabriel Jesus– however was still discovering his rhythm on his go back to Arsenal’s beginning line-up. Comparable to previously this season, his output got his group through a difficult minute.
He has actually now equalled his finest scoring season in the Premier League (14 objectives, a record set last season). With 7 video games to play, he will likely break that and will continue to be important to Arsenal’s title hopes.
Bukayo Saka opens the scoring from the charge area (Steve Bardens/Getty Images)
Havertz, Jesus and the value of off-the-ball motion
Kai Havertz providing Arsenal their two-goal cushion with his 10th objective of the season in all competitors is what settled the nerves, however the significance of his and a few of his team-mates’ off-the-ball motion can not be downplayed.
Brighton’s early self-confidence indicated Arsenal’s attack was not as fluid to start with, and it was the German’s runs in behind that assisted interfere with matters. This resulted in Havertz crossing for Jesus in the very first half however the Brazilian misdirected his header.
The dynamic of Havertz through the middle with Jesus left wing is still a little brand-new. Both gamers have actually played in those positions this season however this was simply the 2nd time they began in those functions together, with last week’s goalless draw at Manchester City the.