He laid down His life for Arsenal to gain a point today if not for Him the scoreline could have been different”, Brighton manager praises One Arsenal player for His standout performance today – Not Havertz and Not Bukayo Saka
The chaos of transfer deadline day has finished and attention turns firmly back to the pitch as Arsenal take on Brighton in the Premier League. After wins over Wolves and Aston Villa, ensuring nine points from nine are taken ahead of back-to-back league games away to Tottenham and Manchester City.
Mikel Arteta however delivered a damning piece of injury news ahead of the weekend. The Spaniard confirmed to the media on Friday afternoon that Mikel Merino, the Gunners’ new summer signing, has suffered a serious shoulder injury and will be out for a few weeks at least
Brighton meanwhile are level on points with the Gunners after beating Everton and Manchester United in their opening two matches. Former Arsenal forward Danny Welbeck has started the season really well and new signing Yankuba Minteh has started the season strongly.
The Gunners could see summer signing Riccardo Calafiori get a chance here while there is expectation former Seagull Leandro Trossard has earned himself a start. At left-back there are questions and now there is pressure on Thomas Partey to deliver in midfield with Merino out.
Tom Canton and Kaya Kaynak are at the Emirates Stadium to bring all the build-up to this afternoon’s game. Updates and team news to follow…
Player ratings
Yes it was a harsh red, but stupid from Rice to kick the ball away when on a yellow. Havertz and Saka were positives away from that while it was a day to forget for Ben White.
Read Kaya Kaynak’s full Arsenal player ratings here.
Full-time – Arsenal 1-1 Brighton
A game that has been marred by the baffling decision of Chris Kavanagh to send off Declan Rice.
However Arsenal had chances that both Havertz and Saka should have taken to win the game.
Raya save
Another huge save from David Raya keeps the scores level as a shot from Ayari is saved by the Spaniard’s legs.