Manchester City have been given a gift. Brighton & Hove Albion's 3-0 win over Arsenal on Saturday means the Blues can move three points clear at the top with victory over Sunderland on Sunday.
Arsenal, the defending Premier League champions, arrived at the Amex top of the table on goal difference, level on points with City. They left it pecked. Two first-half goals from outside the box — the first time Arsenal have conceded twice from distance in a first half since 2012 — set Brighton on their way.
Pascal Gross, 35, scored the opener with a quick turn. Charalampos Kostoulas added the second, finding so much space he could have taken a few touches before shooting. Arsenal had no answer to Brighton's constant attack.
The result leaves Mikel Arteta's side on 12 points from five games. City, who host Sunderland at the Etihad on Sunday, can move three clear with a win. Enzo Maresca's side will be wary: Sunderland are capable of causing problems.
Brighton, meanwhile, sit third on 10 points, though they have played a game more than several teams straining to get inside the top four. Brentford have nine points from five games. Hull City have eight, though they were trailing Newcastle at the time of writing.
There is just one match left before the international break. If City beat Sunderland, they will go into early October at the summit. City fans can rest easy — at least for now.