Arsenal’s unbeaten start to the Premier League season continued but they were held to a 1-1 draw by Brighton & Hove Albion at the Emirates Stadium as it marked only the second draw in their last eight meetings.
The Gunners started with intent as Bukayo Saka’s quick feet put Brighton’s backline to work. His early cutback was denied by Bart Verbruggen, and the young winger was taking great delight in tormenting Brighton’s 19-year-old left-back Jack Hinshelwood. Saka’s combination play with Martin Ødegaard nearly brought its reward as his soft volley fell into the hands of Verbruggen.
As the game wore on, Brighton grew into the match, pushing forward and testing the Arsenal defensive duo of Gabriel and William Saliba. But just when it appeared as though the first half was going to be goalless, a simple long ball upfield transformed the complexion of the game: Saka outjumped Lewis Dunk, flicking the ball into the path of Kai Havertz, who lobbed the onrushing Verbruggen to give Arsenal the lead.
The second half kicked off with drama as Declan Rice received a second yellow for an innocuous foul, as Arsenal was reduced to 10 men. Immediately, Brighton used the advantage in numbers to their merit as a well-worked pass by Dunk released Yankuba Minteh. David Raya saved Minteh but Pedro was at the far post to slam home the rebound and level things up for Brighton.
With the momentum now full square with Brighton, they dominated possession and pegged Arsenal back inside their half. Indeed, both sides really could have snatched a winner-one end of the pitch seeing Saka, and one Raya, pulling off decisive saves. But neither finally managed to net that certain goal, so this match finished with a hard-fought draw.
This result leaves both Arsenal and Brighton with identical two win and one draw records from their first three league outings as the teams head into the international break.
