The Gunners scored in either half against the Seagulls at the Emirates as they keep a clean sheet for the fourth consecutive Premier League match
NACHO MONREAL emerged as Arsenal’s unlikely hero to help Arsene Wenger celebrate his 21st anniversary as manager with a victory.
The Spanish defender scored only the second Premier League goal of his career as the Gunners edged their way past dogged Brighton.
It was almost four and half years since Monreal had last found the net on League duty, although he had managed a couple in the FA Cup since then.
So it came as a major shock to everyone at the Emirates when he lashed home his 16th minute effort after Shane Duffy had cleared off the line from Shkodran Mustafi.
Wenger had made nine changes to the team which had won in the Europa League against BATE Borisov on Thursday and would have been hoping for a more emphatic display from his rested stars.
Alexandre Lacazette hit a post in the first minute and Aaron Ramsey had a close range effort well saved by keeper Mathew Ryan as Arsenal dominated the possession.
But they struggled to break down a well organised Brighton team who were happy to play with everyone behind the ball and soak up the pressure.
The visitors almost levelled midway through the first-half when Solly March struck a thunderous effort against the far post from the edge of the area.
But their resistance was ended in the 56th minute when a glorious back-heel by Alexis Sanchez gave Alex Iwobi the time and space to beat Ryan with a thunderous shot into the top corner.
Sanchez was denied the goal his efforts deserved when his low shot was diverted for a corner by Lewis Dunk before a header from Sead Kolasinac was headed off the line by March.
Wenger, who was officially appointed Arsenal’s manager on October 1, 1996, has now seen his team win their last nine Premier League games at the Emirates.
And this latest victory was enough to lift the Gunners up to fifth in the table, level on points with Champions Chelsea but still six behind leaders Manchester City.
INTERACTIVE STATS - CLICK on the categories to find out how the teams fared
INTERACTIVE STATS - CLICK on the categories to find out how the teams fared
Goalscorer Alex Iwobi told BT Sport: "I wouldn't say it was comfortable but we made it as easy as we could. It is always good to win the game and come away with a clean sheet.
"It was a great team play. I didn't think Alexis would find me but it shows the skill he has.
"He is capable of doing anything. To have eyes in the back of his head and back-heel to me was amazing."
Arsenal defender Nacho Monreal said: "I was lucky to score today. We knew it would be a difficult game. They defended with a lot of players. I was lucky to be there and get my second goal for Arsenal.
"After Liverpool we talked because we can't play as we did. We lost 4-0 and the team was really poor. From there the team reacted we are playing more compact, we defend with all players and have a clean sheet.
"We have top players up front. They will score goals if we defend and can help with a clean sheet it is much better."
