Arsenal vs Brighton Review: The Seagulls secure a point at the Emirates

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Arsenal vs Brighton Review

Brighton continued their unbeaten run in the Premier League by securing a 1-1 draw against 10-man Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium, marking only the second draw in their last eight encounters.

Arsenal vs Brighton Review: Mikel Arteta and William Saliba applaud the fans after the Premier League match between Arsenal and Brighton at Emirates Stadium on August 31, 2024.
Arsenal vs Brighton Review: Mikel Arteta and William Saliba applaud the fans after the Premier League match between Arsenal and Brighton at Emirates Stadium on August 31, 2024.

Arsenal came out strong, quickly launching an attack on the right side where Bukayo Saka showcased his agility by dribbling into the box, but his cutback was deflected away by Bart Verbruggen. The Gunners appeared to pose a significant threat on the right flank, targeting Jack Hinshelwood. Saka was heavily involved, collaborating with Martin Ødegaard, whose lobbed pass was volleyed by Saka, but the poor connection allowed Verbruggen to easily collect the ball.

Arsenal vs Brighton Review: Bukayo Saka fouled by Jack Hinshelwood during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Brighton at Emirates Stadium on August 31, 2024.
Arsenal vs Brighton Review: Bukayo Saka fouled by Jack Hinshelwood during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Brighton at Emirates Stadium on August 31, 2024.

Brighton started to find their rhythm and advance up the field, but Arsenal’s strong defense was holding firm against the Seagulls. As the first half progressed, Fabian Hürzeler’s team appeared to have contained Arsenal’s offense and seemed set to go into halftime without any goals. However, despite Arsenal’s fluid play, a straightforward long ball became the key moment of the first half when Saka outjumped Lewis Dunk, allowing Kai Havertz to break free and chip the advancing Verbruggen.

Arsenal vs Brighton Review: Kai Havertz scores past Bart Verbruggen during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Brighton at Emirates Stadium on August 31, 2024.
Arsenal vs Brighton Review: Kai Havertz scores past Bart Verbruggen during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Brighton at Emirates Stadium on August 31, 2024.

The second half kicked off with a dramatic turn of events as Arsenal was reduced to ten players just three minutes in. Declan Rice received a second yellow card for a foul after seemingly nudging the ball away while being kicked by Joël Veltman. The visiting team quickly capitalized on their numerical advantage when Dunk’s precise pass cut through Arsenal’s defense, finding Yankuba Minteh, whose one-on-one shot was saved by David Raya, but João Pedro was there to score from the rebound.

Arsenal vs Brighton Review: Joao Pedro scores past David Raya during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Brighton at Emirates Stadium on August 31, 2024.
Arsenal vs Brighton Review: Joao Pedro scores past David Raya during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Brighton at Emirates Stadium on August 31, 2024.

Brighton had the upper hand, controlling more than two-thirds of the possession and having all their players in the Arsenal half. However, the visitors couldn’t capitalize on their numerical advantage to secure a second goal, as both teams had opportunities to claim all three points. Ultimately, the match ended in a draw, with both teams ending up with the same record of two wins and a draw in their three league matches before the international break.

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