Arsenal's narrow win was enough for topping league

Arsenal hit straight back despite making life difficult for themselves against inferior opposition once more in a slight win 2-1 over brave Brighton.

The Gunners have been guilty of not killing games off in recent weeks in narrow wins over Wolves and Everton before sneaking past Crystal Palace on penalties in the League Cup quarter-finals in midweek.

Martin Odegaard's fine strike was all the home side had to show for their first-half domination at the Emirates. Mikel Arteta's men had some fortune for the vital second goal when Georginio Rutter turned Declan Rice's corner into his own net.

But Arsenal's nerves were frayed after Diego Gomez pulled a goal back. David Raya produced a stunning save to deny Yankuba Minteh as Arsenal held on to win by a solitary goal for the seventh time in their 13 league victories this season.