Saka explains how Arsenal have 'learned our lesson' from last year'

Bukayo Saka believes Arsenal have been spurred on to challenge for the Premier League title after learning their lessons from last season's late implosion.

Mikel Arteta's side brushed Brighton aside at the Amex on Saturday to move back to the top of the table, leapfrogging both Liverpool and Manchester City.

It appeared that Arsenal were finally on course to win their first top-flight title since their infamous 'Invincibles' campaign after moving eight points clear last year, only for an explosive collapse during the run-in to instead hand the crown to City.

Saka, however, has admitted to seeing a change in his side's mentality after they licked their wounds and is confident they are now more equipped to lift the trophy.

Speaking after the 3-0 win on the south coast, Saka told Sky Sports: 'Last season was not great but it was great in terms of we learnt our lesson.

'Games like this we need to put to bed. This year we feel more comfortable.

'I feel the team is better.

'From the keeper to the striker, you saw Kai [Havertz], how hard he's working.

'We know how we're going to handle it. We go to win, that's the mentality we have to have. We're in a great position, we just need to continue.'

Saka had been an injury doubt prior to kick-off but was fit enough to make the starting XI and break the deadlock with an ice-cool penalty in the first half.

Arsenal then flew out of the blocks after the restart and doubled their lead through Kai Havertz, before Leandro Trossard netted a deft chip against his former club.

Liverpool, who are one point adrift, face Manchester United tomorrow. Manchester City, meanwhile, beat Crystal Palace to move level on points with the Reds.