Brighton are suddenly Arsenal’s closest challenger. Sunday afternoon’s win at the Amex Stadium was their seventh win from 10 games, leaving them five points behind the leaders.

Diego Gómez settled the game early. The Paraguay midfielder struck a 25-yard shot in the 15th minute, firing a powerful left-footed effort high into the top corner for his latest eye-catching goal of the season.

Gómez stunner, Thiago red card

Any contest left in the match ended before the half hour. Igor Thiago was initially booked for catching Chema in the face with a swinging arm, but referee Michael Oliver upgraded the yellow to red after a VAR review for violent conduct in the 23rd minute.

Pascal Groß doubled the lead from the penalty spot in the 43rd minute, firing into the top corner after Keane Lewis-Potter had grabbed Luka Vuskovic at a corner. Caoimhin Kelleher guessed the right way but had no chance of stopping the German midfielder’s effort.

Read also: “I can’t say i lead a happy life’: Elina Svitolina opens up after Gaël Monfils separation

Hürzeler: “Very professional”

Hürzeler was pleased with the control his side showed from the whistle, telling Sky Sports the performance set the tone he wants from his team.

“It was very professional. We started the game really well and we were quite dominant in the first 20 minutes.”

The Brighton manager also played down the table talk after only 10 matches, saying his focus was on the next fixture after the international break.

Brentford boss Keith Andrews was less contained. He pointed to both his side’s discipline problems and the match officials when he spoke to Sky Sports afterwards.

Read also: Carlos Alcaraz denies Taylor Fritz ATP finals spot as 20-year-old Spaniard makes history

“We need to do better. I also think the officials need to have a look at themselves.”

Five points behind Arsenal

Brighton’s climb owes as much to those around them as to their own form. Chelsea went down 1-0 at Sunderland earlier on Sunday, dropping Xabi Alonso’s side to fifth.

Arsenal remain the benchmark as defending champions and league leaders, and Brighton are the closest side to them going into the November international break.

Read also: Carlos Alcaraz makes history in Paris after taking revenge on Ben Shelton