Arsenal are now in a “different world”, according to manager Mikel Arteta, after they recorded back-to-back league wins for the first time since September by beating Brighton. Before Christmas, Match of the Day pundit Alan Shearer was among those to question whether the Gunners had what it took to retain the place in the top flight they have held since 1919. Defeat at Everton on 19 December left them only four points above the relegation zone after 14 games – their worst start to the season since 1974-75. But fortunes changed with a surprise 3-1 victory over Chelsea last weekend, which has now been followed up by this latest success.

Tuesday’s display lacked the fizz of that 3-1 win over the Blues, and they were particularly sluggish in the first half when they only managed one effort on goal. However, the tempo and urgency was turned up a couple of notches after the break, with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Gabriel Martinelli going close before French striker Alexandre Lacazette fired home in the 66th minute. The second-half substitute had only been on the pitch 29 seconds when he swept in Bukayo Saka’s ball for his third goal in three games. Brighton boss Graham Potter left forwards Neal Maupay and Danny Welbeck on the bench – two of six changes made to the starting XI. His side once again looked comfortable and composed on the ball but it was a frustrating story in attack.

Aubameyang went close soon after the restart when he attempted to turn home Saka’s cross but was thwarted by the knee of Robert Sanchez. His side then broke through. Saka, exceptional on the flanks, this time set up Lacazette, who barely had time to get his studs dirty as he fired his shot past the Seagulls keeper. The closest the home side came to scoring was when Alireza Jahanbakhsh forced a sharp save from Bernd Leno at his near post. Arsenal climb up to 13th and now have 20 points, while Brighton remain two points above the drop zone in 17th.