Arsenal could not maintain their 100% winning start to the new Premier League season as they drew 1-1 with Brighton at home.
The Gunners overcame their first obstacle away at Aston Villa last weekend and were looking to keep their momentum going on a return to the Emirates Stadium.
After a few early chances, Kai Havertz netted the opener in the first half, looping the ball over an onrushing Bart Verbruggen, his second goal of the season.
Chaos ensued in the second half when Declan Rice was sent off for delaying the restart, despite being completely wiped out by Joel Veltman.
And it did not take long for Brighton to equalise through Joao Pedro, who followed up on Yankuba’s initial strike.
Brighton remained on the front foot, but could not find a breakthrough despite their dominance in the second half.
🔵⚪️ @OfficialBHAFC fight back against 10-man Arsenal for a point 🤝#ARSBHA #TheKickOff pic.twitter.com/zyQVKOzN9F
— Premier League (@premierleague) August 31, 2024
How it happened
Arsenal’s consistency has been the reason for their title challenges in recent years and they again started strong against a tough opponent.
The Gunners have struggled against Brighton in the past but made their early dominance count in North London.
Set pieces have been a particularly strong weapon for Arteta’s men, and both William Saliba and his partner Gabriel having early chances from either corners or free-kicks.
Bukayo Saka was his slippery self, often twisting and turning away from the Brighton defence and firing two shots in the first half, both easily saveable for Verbruggen.
Martin Odegaard was also in the thick of the action, sending a tame volley towards goal.
But eventually, they found a breakthrough through Havertz.
A long ball forward was won by Saka, who eased Lewis Dunk away before playing Havertz through.
The German international then sent the ball over the goalkeeper and wheeled off to celebrate in front of the jubilant fans.
THAT MAN AGAIN!
Saka…
Source link : https://www.101greatgoals.com/football/premier-league/arsenal-1-1-brighton-rice-havertz-premier-league/
Author : Mitch Fretton
Publish date : 2024-08-31 13:29:55
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