ARSENAL returned to the top of the English Premier League table after Martin Odegaard netted his first goal of the season in the competition as the Gunners survived a nervy final few minutes to beat Brighton 2-1 at the Emirates Stadium today.
The Gunners, who had dropped to second place after Manchester City beat Nottingham Forest in the day’s early match, took the lead when Bart Verbruggen’s goal kick was intercepted and Bukayo Saka teed up captain Odegaard to score from the edge of the box.
Arsenal’s one-goal half-time lead did not match their first-half dominance as they produced 15 shots, five on target, and restricted Brighton to none.
But they doubled their lead seven minutes into the second half when makeshift right-back Declan Rice’s corner was flicked into his own net by Georginio Rutter, the fourth own goal that has gone Arsenal’s way in their past four games.
Arsenal seemed set for a comfortable victory but Brighton pulled one back with their first shot on target when Yasin Ayari’s effort bounced off ... and Diego Gomez hammered in the rebound.
Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler had introduced winger Yankuba Minteh at half-time and his pace caused problems.
Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya had to produce a magnificent save to ensure his side took all three points when he kept out Minteh’s curled effort that was heading towards the top corner.
At Anfield, Florian Wirtz scored his first Liverpool goal as they held out to beat Wolves 2-1 on an emotional afternoon as Diogo Jota was remembered by both sets of fans.
Arne Slot’s side scored twice in two minutes through Ryan Gravenberch and Wirtz in the first half and though Wolves pulled one back through Santiago Bueno, Liverpool made it three Premier League wins in a row. Wolves remain winless in the top flight this season.
Jota’s sons, Dinis and Duarte, were mascots for the game and came out on to the pitch alongside Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk.
Jota, who played for Liverpool and Wolves, during his time in England, was remembered again when both sets of fans sang his song in the 20th minute. Liverpool retired his shirt number ’20’ following his death in a car crash in July.
Rob Edwards’ Wolves held firm for most of the first half until Gravenberch broke the deadlock in the 41st minute as he finished from Jeremie Frimpong’s ball.
A minute later, Wirtz got on the end of Hugo Ektike’s delivery and slotted past Jose Sa to double Liverpool’s lead.
The visitors had a glimmer of hope six minutes into the second half, as Bueno scored the rebound after Alisson saved Super Eagles striker Tolu Arokodare’s header from a Wolves corner.
Edwards made three changes just after the hour mark as his side hunted for an equaliser and they came close when Arokodare headed over but Liverpool held firm to make it seven games unbeaten in all competitions.
With agency reports
RESULTS
Liverpool 2-1 Wolves
Arsenal 2-1 Brighton
Brentford 4-1 Bournemouth
West Ham 0-1 Fulham
Burnley 0-0 Everton