Proud Arteta hails 'big, big performance' as Arsenal roar back to the top

Mikel Arteta savoured a "big, big performance" after Arsenal reclaimed top spot in the Premier League by ending Brighton's impressive home form with a thumping 3-0 victory.

The title-chasing Gunners arrived at the Amex Stadium having dropped to third place in the table following Manchester City's 4-2 success at Crystal Palace in Saturday's lunchtime kick-off.

Bukayo Saka set Arteta's men on course to return to the summit by converting a 33rd-minute penalty before second-half goals from Kai Havertz and substitute Leandro Trossard completed a comprehensive win.

The result - Albion's first top-flight home loss in more than seven months - puts Arsenal a point ahead of both Liverpool, who play their game in hand at rivals Manchester United on Sunday, and City.

"I'm really happy, really proud of the boys," said Gunners boss Arteta. "They put in a big, big performance to beat this great Brighton side. They haven't lost here since August and that tells you the difficulty of the task but we were really good today."

Fit-again Saka was recalled after sitting out the 2-0 midweek win over Luton with a muscular problem.

The England forward scored from the spot when Seagulls full-back Tariq Lamptey was penalised for bringing down Gabriel Jesus, despite brushing the top of the ball.

Havertz rewarded Arsenal's dominance by tapping home Jorginho's centre 28 minutes from time before substitute Trossard ran half the length of the pitch to rub salt into the wounds of his former club late on.

"The understanding between the attacking players today was superb," said Arteta. "They had real purpose and connection and we created many chances."

Arsenal led the division for much of last season before falling short in the final weeks.

The Gunners,