Brighton host Arsenal in a clash between the Premier League leaders and Fabian Hurzeler’s high-flying side, with the Gunners looking to maintain their perfect start to the season.
The defending champions have recorded seven wins from seven games in all competitions so far this season, extending that record with a 2-0 win at Sunderland last weekend that featured plenty of drama as Mikel Arteta raged over the Black Cats being awarded a penalty – which David Raya went on to save.
Brighton meanwhile are fresh from a 5-0 drubbing of Coventry City in the top flight, with the highlight a long-range Lewis Dunk wonder-goal, and a 3-2 comeback win over Manchester United in an entertaining Carabao Cup clash on Wednesday night – inflicting a first home defeat from 2-0 up on United in 50 years.
This fixture sparked a war of words last season as Hurzeler criticised Arsenal for time-wasting at set-pieces, but the pair said prior to this match that they had smoothed over their differences and Arteta looked forward to “a beautiful game”.
Follow latest updates from the Amex Stadium, below:
Brighton 0-0 Arsenal
16 mins: It’s been a fascinating start and full credit to Brighton for taking such an aggressive approach against Arsenal. Raya’s pass over the top breaks to Saka and the winger looks to drive into the box, but his cross is blocked. From the corner, Guimaraes puts his shot into the side-netting.
Brighton 0-0 Arsenal
14 mins: A few jeers and whistles from the Brighton fans as David Raya takes his time over a goal-kick. That takes us back to March and the argument between Hurzeler and Arteta. Raya has not started well. He gives the ball away again and Rice has to track back to make the challenge.
Brighton 0-0 Arsenal
13 mins: Arsenal have steadied over the last five minutes or so and have got a foothold in the game, although with no attacking threat yet.
Brighton 0-0 Arsenal
8 mins: Can Brighton capitalise on this superb start? Arsenal are up against it and Brighton are pressing them furiously.
David Raya knew that effort from Kostoulas was close.
Brighton 0-0 Arsenal
6 mins: SAVE from Raya! Kostoulas gets his shot away and the Arsenal goalkeeper has to push behind a corner with his fingertips. Arsenal were guilty of giving it away cheaply.
Brighton 0-0 Arsenal
4 mins: A sloppy start from Arsenal. The Premier League champions are struggling to get out and a clearance from Raya goes straight out of play.
Brighton 0-0 Arsenal
2 mins: A half-clearance from Calafiori falls to Kadioglu, who thrashes over. Decent start from the hosts.
Brighton v Arsenal
Brighton are wearing a special all-blue home kit to commemorate the club’s 125th anniversary today. Can they make it a special afternoon?
Arsenal open to Max Dowman loan after teenager’s impressive start to season
Arsenal are “open” to allowing teen sensation Max Dowman to leave the club on loan, if the circumstances are right.
The 16-year-old is back in the spotlight this week after he marked his first appearance of the season with a brace in Arsenal’s 4-2 Carabao Cup win at Ipswich.
Mikel Arteta is keen to protect the youngster and wants him to continue to be involved in a squad which is probably the strongest in the Premier League.
However, the Spaniard accepted in his news conference on Friday that the Gunners will evaluate “every six months” the possibility of Dowman leaving on loan.
Dowman is on the bench this afternoon, with kick-off at the Amex coming up next.
