Arsenal back to summit after emphatic win at Brighton; Man City defeat Crystal Palace to keep title race close

Arsenal have regained the number one spot on the Premier League table following an impressive 3-0 win over Brighton at the Falmer Stadium on Saturday evening, as the Gunners continue the push for the league title.
The win temporarily placed Mikel Arteta’s side one point ahead of second-placed Liverpool, who will face Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday – Arsenal fans would only hope the Red Devils win to aid their title chase.
Nigerian-born Bukayo Saka opened the scoring for Arsenal with a penalty after Gabriel Jesus was brought down inside the 18-yard box in the 31st minute before Kai Havertz doubled the lead with a tap-in in the 62nd minute.
Four minutes before the end of normal time, Leandro Trossard sealed the win for Arsenal from a launching pass by Havertz. The Belgian drove from his own half and chipped over goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen.
Gabriel almost added to Arsenal’s advantage afterwards, but Verbruggen saved the Brazilian’s free header from a corner kick to limit Brighton’s damage in their first home loss in the league since September.
Meanwhile, Manchester City came back from one goal down to beat Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park to remain close third on the table with 70 points.
Barely three minutes into the game, Jean-Phillipe Mateta opened the scoring for Palace after John Stone gave away ball possession, but Kevin De Bruyne equalised for City 10 minutes later.
Two minutes after the break, youngster Rico Lewis put City ahead for the first time in the game before Erling Haaland scored in the 66th minute to further extend the defending champions’ lead.
In the 70th minute, De Bruyne scored his brace of the afternoon to add City’s fourth goal, courtesy of an assist by Rodri, who played a simple pass into the feet of Belgian as he fired a low strike into the bottom-left corner.
Odsonne Edouard scored Palace’s second goal in the 86th minute to save face for the hosts. Pep Guardiola’s side bagged an important three points in their race to defend the title.
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