Arsenal 1-1 Brighton: What Were The Main Talking Points As The Gunners Drop Their First Points Of The Season?

While Arsenal might have been looking to extend on their 100% start on Saturday lunchtime, the Gunners were forced to settle for a 1-1 stalemate against Brighton at the Emirates.

Although Mikel Arteta’s side might have always faced a stern examination here, they did take a deserved lead just before the half-time break as Kai Haverz produced a wonderful lobbed finish.

However, although Arsenal might have been sat in the driving seat after returning from the interval, the game turned on its head after England international Declan Rice was dismissed for a controversial second booking after delaying a free-kick.

Clearly smelling a real chance following Rice’s dismissal, Brighton piled on the pressure and deservedly levelled the scoreline just before the hour mark as ex-Watford star Joao Pedro slotted home after David Raya could only palm Yankuba Minteh’s effort.

Although Havertz might have had a late chance down the other end, it was the Seagulls who were in complete control throughout the second-half and would have been disappointed not to have completed a sensational upset in north London.

On an afternoon when Arsenal dropped their first points of the season, we have taken a look at the main talking points from the Emirates.

Arsenal left frustrated in north London

Eventually falling short last season in the race to get their hands on a first Premier League crown since 2004, Arsenal and their young squad have made it clear that they are desperate to go one-step further this time around.

Making an early statement last weekend as they secured a 2-0 victory away at Champions League returners Aston Villa, Arteta’s side were hoping to produce a similar performance on Saturday lunchtime.

While Arsenal might have been disappointed in north London after dropping their first points of the season, Saturday’s hosts should take plenty of positives away from their bright start to the season.

Still registering 25 points from their previous nine Premier League appearances continuing on from last season, the Gunners have also shipped just a pair of top-flight strikes since the end of April.

With a fortnight to dust themselves down and still pencilled in as Manchester City’s leading title contender this year, Arsenal will be next seen on September 15th when they meet Tottenham for what promises to be a a heavyweight north London derby.

Seagulls flying high under Hurzeler

Although some around the Amex might have been frustrated at the end of last season as Roberto De Zerbi announced his exit, Brighton are certainly enjoying life under new boss Fabian Hurzeler.

With the 31-year-old manager gaining plenty of plaudits from across the continent last season after guiding St. Pauli to a famous Bundesliga return, Saturday’s guests have come flying out of the traps.

Continuing to shine with their free-flowing performances, Brighton have come flying out of the traps and many in their camp will be dreaming of the chance to mount a genuine European charge this time around.

Snatching what was a sensational last-gasp 2-1 victory at home against Premier League giants Manchester United last weekend, the Seagulls have collected seven points from their opening three top-flight appearances and the mood in their camp appears to be at a real high.

Causing Arsenal a string of issues on Saturday lunchtime and with some feeling that they were unfortunate not to have left north London with maximum points, Brighton will enter September’s international break having made quite the early statement.

Havertz extends on his early flurry

While Havertz might have initially struggled to find his feet at the Emirates following his £65million move from Chelsea, the German international has quickly become a real fan favourite around north London.

Although many Arsenal fans might have been desperate for Arteta to bring in a new striking option this summer, the one-time Manchester City coach has full faith in Havertz playing in a false nine role.

Watching the likes of Eddie Nketiah secure a Deadline Day move across the capital to Crystal Palace, Havertz will shoulder plenty of Arsenal’s goalscoring burden this season.

Opening the scoring here thanks to a smart chipped finish just before the half-time break, the 25-year-old has notched two goals in his opening three Premier League appearances.

With a leading role to play at the Emirates this season and building off of what was an impressive summer flurry, Arteta will be excited by Havertz’s start to proceedings and his development into a more advanced position.

Match Report

Arsenal: Raya, White, Saliva, Gabriel, Timber, Odegaard, Partey, Rice, Saka, Trossard, Havertz

Subs: Martinelli, Zinchenko, Calafiori

Brighton: Verbruggen, Veltman, van Hecke, Dunk, Hinshelwood, Quomah Baleba, Milner, Monteh, Pedro, Mitoma, Welbeck

Subs: Estupinan, Ayari, Adingra, Rutter, Enciso

Goals: Arsenal: Havertz (38’) – Brighton: Pedro (58’)

Yellow Cards: Arsenal: Raya, Timber, Partey, Rice – Brighton: Pedro, Minteh

Red Cards: Rice (49’)

Referee: Chris Kavanagh