Kai Havertz singles out Arsenal teammates who are 'outstanding' in Premier League title race

Kai Havertz emphasised the critical role Arsenal's defence played in the win over Brighton as well as across the season so far.

Goals from Havertz, Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard saw the Gunners claim a 3-0 win in the Premier League clash over the Seagulls at the Amex Stadium. It was a victory that sent Mikel Arteta's team back to the top of the league standings above Liverpool and Manchester City.

The match also marked the fifth continuous away game during which Arsenal have kept a clean sheet — only the second time throughout their history. Crucial to this success was William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes, who have formed an impressive centre-back partnership in recent seasons.

Despite Man City's 4-2 win over Crystal Palace seeing Arsenal temporarily drop down to third place, Havertz suggests this had no impact on his team's performance. He stressed the importance of himself and the team maintaining their focus on what was ahead of them rather than results elsewhere.

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«To be honest we didn't speak about it,» Havertz told Sky Sports, reports the Mirror. «We tried to focus on ourselves and win the game, that is more important than looking at the other games right now.

»We must win our matches and see where that brings us. We are ready for the challenge and we are up for it. Every week we play at the limit and maybe we can play better.

«The attitude and work-rate of the boys is phenomenal and everyone put everything into that game — that is why we are successful right now.»

Havertz went on to praise the impact Arsenal's defenders had during the