Mikel Arteta believes Arsenal are better prepared to compete for the Premier League title after last season’s defeat after a 3-0 win over Brighton to top the table. The roles were reversed from a year ago, when the Seagulls won 3-0 at the Emirates Stadium, ending the Gunners’ hopes of a first Premier League title since 2004. Twelve months on, Arteta’s men have matured and appear ready to take on new challenges. Challenging to beat Liverpool and Manchester City to end their two-year wait for the league title.

Arsenal are one point ahead of Liverpool, who face Manchester United on Sunday, while champions Manchester City top the table.

Bukayo Saka opened the scoring from the penalty spot and the much-maligned Kai Havertz continued to frustrate his critics with his fifth goal in his last nine games for Arsenal Silence.

Leandro Trossard came on as a substitute to trouble Bart Verbruggen with a fine chip shot inside the third five minutes of the game. Looking at his old club.

“We’re older. We’ve experienced a lot of moments together and a lot of chemistry built within the team,” Arteta said, a change from a year ago when City stormed down the final straight.

“We’ve also signed some great players, which helps. The team is healthy and the momentum is good.”

Brighton have not lost 14 home games in all competitions since September, but they have not faced an Arsenal-level team in this round.

They have played away games against Manchester City in the past 11 league games and have achieved 10 wins and 1 draw.

Saka has been recovering from injury in recent weeks and was rested for Wednesday’s 2-0 win over Luton Town.

But he marked his return by scoring his 17th goal of the season in the 33rd minute after Gabriel Jesus was tripped in the box.

“I’m struggling, but as long as I have two legs, I’m going to give it all and want to play,” Saka said.

“We’re all excited and we know this win will get us back on top. We’re building momentum.”

Arsenal have now kept five consecutive clean sheets in the Premier League and Gabriel and his teammates celebrated wildly after the Brazilian made a late block on the hour mark, such was their desperation not to concede.

“The hunger and love for defending is there,” Arteta added.

“You saw the reaction of my teammates to Gabby’s block. That was them, not me, and that’s the spirit of the team.”

Julio Enciso came closest to a response from the Seagulls in the first half with a curling ball outside the penalty area, and David Raya did well to turn the score around.

Arsenal’s threat waned after the break but when Jorginho reached the line his cross was met by Havertz at the near post for a vital second goal.

The Germany international was then the provider of the third goal, allowing Trossard to gallop behind the Brighton defence, scoring as he returns to the Amex for the first time since leaving the Emirates in January 2023 court.

Manchester City beat Crystal Palace 4-2 earlier on Saturday and now Liverpool are under pressure to answer their title challengers when they return to Old Trafford seeking revenge.

Just three weeks ago, Jurgen Klopp’s side were beaten 4-3 by Manchester United in a thrilling FA Cup quarter-final.

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