Defeat of Seagulls of title challenge yardstick for Gunners? Definitely maybe

Arsenal got the job done against Brighton on Sunday. 

Arsenal's Kai Havertz (second right) celebrates scoring their side's second goal of the game during the Premier League match at the Emirates Stadium.

After Manchester City stuttered at home to Crystal Palace on Saturday, here was a chance for Arsenal to go five points ahead of the reigning champions, and they did not pass it up.

But this was arguably more than a win that keeps the time race bubbling nicely. It was a yardstick, coming as it did against a Brighton team who had won on their past three visits to the Emirates, twice in the Premier League and once in the League Cup. Arsenal’s 3-0 loss last season effectively signalled the end of their title challenge.