Arsenal maintained their English Premier League title charge as goals by Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz and Leandro Trossard secured a masterful 3-0 victory at Brighton and Hove Albion that sent them back to the top of the table on Saturday.

Manchester City’s earlier victory had dropped Arsenal into third place, but they responded in an emphatic fashion to clear what had looked like a tricky obstacle in style.

Arsenal’s 10th win in their last 11 league games put them on 71 points from 31 games. Liverpool, who play away at Manchester United on Sunday, are on 70, as are champions Manchester City. Arsenal’s goal difference is also significantly better than their two rivals.

Brighton started strongly but Arsenal soon settled, and Saka converted a penalty in the 33rd minute after Tariq Lamptey was adjudged to have clipped Gabriel Jesus in the area.

Arsenal were a constant threat going forward and the away fans were in full voice after Kai Havertz scored from close range from Jorginho’s cut back in the 62nd minute.

Former Brighton player Trossard, on as a substitute, wrapped up the points late on with a solo effort.

Earlier, Kevin De Bruyne struck twice to inspire Man City to a dominant 4-2 win at Crystal Palace.

Stunned by conceding an early goal scored by Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta, De Bruyne equalised
with a superb shot and after second-half goals by Rico Lewis and Erling Haaland
the Belgian midfielder added his second.

“It’s just like every other title race. We have to win every game,” the 19-year-old Lewis told TNT Sports. “There’s three teams in it and we have to be the strongest team.”

Odsonne Edouard grabbed a late consolation for the hosts.

Mateta had shocked the travelling City supporters with a goal in the third minute, but De Bruyne levelled in the 13th minute with an inch-perfect finish that had manager Pep Guardiola blowing the Belgian kisses.