Arsenal couldn’t keep their 100% profitable begin to the brand new Premier League season as they drew 1-1 with Brighton at dwelling.
The Gunners overcame their first impediment away at Aston Villa final weekend and have been trying to maintain their momentum occurring a return to the Emirates Stadium.
After a couple of early possibilities, Kai Havertz netted the opener within the first half, looping the ball over an onrushing Bart Verbruggen, his second purpose of the season.
Chaos ensued within the second half when Declan Rice was despatched off for delaying the restart, regardless of being utterly worn out by Joel Veltman.
And it didn’t take lengthy for Brighton to equalise by Joao Pedro, who adopted up on Yankuba’s preliminary strike.
Brighton remained on the entrance foot, however couldn’t discover a breakthrough regardless of their dominance within the second half.
🔵⚪️ @OfficialBHAFC battle again in opposition to 10-man Arsenal for some extent 🤝#ARSBHA #TheKickOff pic.twitter.com/zyQVKOzN9F
— Premier League (@premierleague) August 31, 2024
The way it occurred
Arsenal’s consistency has been the explanation for his or her title challenges lately they usually once more began sturdy in opposition to a troublesome opponent.
The Gunners have struggled in opposition to Brighton previously however made their early dominance rely in North London.
Set items have been a very sturdy weapon for Arteta’s males, and each William Saliba and his accomplice Gabriel having early possibilities from both corners or free-kicks.
Bukayo Saka was his slippery self, usually twisting and turning away from the Brighton defence and firing two pictures within the first half, each simply saveable for Verbruggen.
Martin Odegaard was additionally within the thick of the motion, sending a tame volley in direction of purpose.
However finally, they discovered a breakthrough by Havertz.
An extended ball ahead was received by Saka, who eased Lewis Dunk away earlier than taking part in Havertz by.
The German worldwide then despatched the ball over the goalkeeper and wheeled off to rejoice in entrance of the jubilant followers.
THAT MAN AGAIN!
Saka sends Havertz clear by and the German lobs the ball over the onrushing Verbruggen to provide us the lead ✊
🔴 1-0 🟡 (39) pic.twitter.com/uGiVoTijiQ
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) August 31, 2024
Nonetheless, issues modified within the second half.
Rice, who has been so instrumental to Arsenal’s exploits since becoming a member of from West Ham, was on a yellow card earlier than poking the ball away with Brighton trying to take a fast free-kick.
The referee had no alternative however to dismiss the England worldwide, leaving the house aspect on the again foot.
And Brighton made Arsenal pay nearly immediately.
A superb lengthy move from Dunk discovered Minteh, who had his preliminary shot saved by David Raya.
However Pedro was there on the follow-up to degree proceedings.
From that second, the momentum of the sport modified. Arsenal have been content material to take a seat again and take up the stress, within the hope of catching Brighton on the counter-attack.
🇧🇷👑 pic.twitter.com/b1b4VUq2tp
— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) August 31, 2024
There was an enormous likelihood for Saka after he stretched to satisfy a Havertz cross, but it surely was simply too far in entrance of him to make a significant affect.
On the different finish, Yasin Ayari had the purpose gaping however hit a strike straight at Raya.
It was a tense last 10 minutes on the Emirates, with the sensation that both group might nonetheless win the match.
However ultimately, each needed to accept some extent, that means Arsenal and Brighton’s 100% begins got here to an finish in what was a completely entertaining match.
