Martin Odegaard scored his first Premier League goal of the season as Arsenal survived a nervy finale to beat Brighton and return to the top of the table.

The Gunners, who had dropped to second place after Manchester City beat Nottingham Forest in Saturday'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 area.

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 the post 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.

Arsenal have shown the characteristics of potential champions as they have ground out three straight wins since a stoppage-time defeat at Aston Villa, despite not being at their best and with their squad tested by injuries, especially in defence.

Arteta was already without Jurrien Timber, meaning Rice had to fill in at right-back, when Riccardo Calafiori felt something in the warm-up and also missed out.

Arsenal had conceded late goals against Villa, Wolves and Crystal Palace in recent weeks and there were nerves in the stadium as the clock ticked down, but the return of centre-back Gabriel from the bench after a long injury lay-off helped the Gunners grind out three points.

Hurzeler's side arrived in London winless in four matches but with a decent record at Emirates Stadium, having been unbeaten in five of their previous eight visits.

The first-half performance lacked attacking belief, forcing Hurzeler to make a double change at half-time by bringing on Minteh and Mats Wieffer.

Gomez's goal lifted Brighton and, as the home supporters got nervy, Brighton introduced former Arsenal striker Danny Welbeck as they chased an equaliser that never came.

Brighton had an excellent start to the season and had been as high as fifth place but their current run of form has seen them slip to 12th in the table.