Arsenal dropped crucial points in the Premier League as Brighton claimed a draw at the Emirates following Declan Rice’s controversial red card.

With new signing Raheem Sterling watch on from the stands following his loan from Chelsea, Kai Havertz broke the deadlock with a lobbed finish before half-time

But Arsenal’s advantage was lost as Rice was sent off for a second yellow card after half time, as the midfielder kicked the ball away when Brighton’s Joel Veltman prepared to take a free-kick.

The Seagulls then equalised as Joao Pedro fired into an empty net after David Raya saved from Yankuba Minteh.

Both sides had chances to extend their winning starts to the season, with Havertz and Bukayo Saka missing golden opportunities on the counter-attack, while Raya had a big save to deny Yasin Ayari.

Follow all the action in the live blog below:

Arsenal vs Brighton LIVE

• FULL TIME! Arsenal 1-1 Brighton

• Joao Pedro grabs equaliser for Brighton after Declan Rice sent off early in second half

• 74’ CHANCE! Havertz through on goal but denied by Verbruggen (ARS 1-1 BHA)

• 58’ GOAL! Joao Pedro equalises for Brighton after Raya save! (ARS 1-1 BHA)

• 48’ RED CARD! Declan Rice sent off for second yellow card after HT

• Rice was sent off for nudging ball away as Veltman took free-kick

• 37’ GOAL! Havertz scores with lob after Saka beats Dunk (ARS 1-0 BHA)

• 17’ CHANCE! Trossard finds Odegaard, who volleys straight at Verbruggen (ARS 0-0 BHA)

Arsenal FC 1 - 1 Brighton & Hove Albion FC

Arsenal face title race pressure already after Declan Rice’s moment of madness

16:14 , Jamie Braidwood

In a Premier League title race of inches, Arsenal and Declan Rice may have already handed Manchester City a huge advantage. It’s only August, but there was an edge in the air at the Emirates long before Rice’s controversial red card in this 1-1 draw against Brighton, with additional heat to the post-match fury as Mikel Arteta reflected on a thunderous afternoon that was far more “emotional” than usual for this early stage of the season.

After losing out on the Premier League title by two points last season, Arsenal know how perfect you have to be to beat Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City to the title. And this was an opportunity missed, with crucial points dropped already, as Arsenal squandered their winning position so needlessly. Rice’s sending off - his first in the Premier League in 245 appearances - changed the game after Kai Havertz’s fine lob handed Arsenal a deserved lead before half time.

Arsenal face title race pressure already after Declan Rice’s moment of madness

‘He’s played the referee and it’s worked’: Peter Crouch explains theatrics behind Declan Rice’s red card

16:12 , Mike Jones

Peter Crouch says that Joel Veltman hoodwinked the referee in order to convince him to dismiss Declan Rice in Arsenal’s Premier League clash with Brighton at the Emirates Stadium.

Rice had collected a yellow card in the first half for a heavy tackle on Veltman and received a second for kicking the ball away as the Brighton defender attempted to take a quick free kick in the second half.

Speaking as a pundit on TNT Sports former Liverpool striker Crouch was convinced that Veltman had bought an offence from Rice which changed the outcome of the match.

‘He’s played the referee and it’s worked’: Peter Crouch explains red card decision

Why was Declan Rice sent off against Brighton?

16:06 , Mike Jones

Declan Rice was dismissed from Arsenal’s Premier League match against Brighton after kicking the ball away as Joel Veltman was about to take a free kick for the visitors.

Kai Havertz’s opening goal had sent the Gunners into the lead and the score was 1-0 when Rice was shown the red card early in the second half.

Rice had previously arrived late with a tackle on Veltman in the first half which saw him clip the defender’s leg and earn a first yellow of the match.

Why was Declan Rice sent off against Brighton?

FT Arsenal 1-1 Brighton

16:00 , Mike Jones

The points are shared at the Emirates Stadium:

FT Arsenal 1-1 Brighton

15:54 , Mike Jones

It’s unclear at this point how costly that red card will be for Arsenal. It was undoubtably the deciding factor in the game with the Gunners dropping two points after Joao Pedro’s equaliser when they went down to 10-men.

Adding to that Declan Rice will be suspended for their next fixture against Tottenham Hotspur after the international break too.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta bemoans ‘inconsistency’ after Declan Rice’s controversial red card

15:48 , Mike Jones

Mikel Arteta bemoaned the lack of “consistency” in refereeing decisions as he offered his verdict on Declan Rice’s controversial red card.

Arsenal dropped points following a 1-1 draw at home to Brighton, where the midfielder was shown the first red card of his career in the second half.

Mikel Arteta bemoans ‘inconsistency’ after Declan Rice’s controversial red card

FT Arsenal 1-1 Brighton

15:42 , Mike Jones

In his 245th Premier League appearance, Declan Rice has been shown a red card in the competition for the first time.

Arteta speaking to MOTD

15:36 , Mike Jones

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta, speaking to MOTD: “Overall when we played against 11 v 11 we deserved to win the game and 11 v 10 we deserved to win the game. We lost two points.”

Giving his thoughts on sending off, he added: “I was amazed. In the first half when the opponents did that they didn’t get any booking. He makes the call by law in a non critical area of the pitch when the ball hit the heel when turning around, to make that decision. By law he can do it but be consistent. If that is the case they should have a man sent off and then it is 10 v 10.

“Amazing, the team and the reaction of the crowd [after going a man down]. We created two big chances one v one and we should have won the game.”

Up next

15:30 , Chris Wilson

Both sides will look to shake off that result ahead of their next match, but with the international break following this round of fixtures, they’ll have plenty of time to do that.

Arsenal’s next match isn’t until 15 September, but it’s a huge one – a north London derby away at Spurs, with kick-off at 2pm.

Their next two matches after that are both cup games, as they open their league cup campaign against Bolton before travelling to Bergamo to face Atalanta in their first match of the newly revamped Champions League.

For Brighton, their next match is at home to Ipswich on 14 September, before they host Wolves in the Carabao Cup in midweek.

Hurzeler speaks to MOTD

15:20 , Chris Wilson

Hurzeler is understandably the happier of the two managers.

“In the end you are one man plus so you always want to win the game. We had chances on our side but Arsenal also had two big chances,” he said.

“First of all he shoots the ball away so it is a clear yellow card, it changes the momentum of the game,” he added.

“We started to control the game and then the goal happens out of nowhere. We didn’t defend it well, the red card changed the game for sure. We wanted to win, we didn’t do it so we have to be satisfied with the draw.

“There’s still room for a lot of improvements. We try and go step-by-step.”

FT Arsenal 1-1 Brighton

15:15 , Mike Jones

Bukayo Saka is the first Arsenal player to provide an assist in each of the first three games of a Premier League season since Thierry Henry in 2004-05.

15:10 , Chris Wilson

Arteta spoke to TNT after the match, and was irritated at the lack of consistency shown by the referee.

“We started the game really well. We scored the goal, 1-0. We started the second half really good but then there is the decision that changes the game completely.”

When asked what explanation he was given regarding the sending off, he said: “None, like always.”

“If it [bookings] happens throughout the game in a consistent way it is fine but it didn’t. It is the inconsistency.”

‘He’s played the referee and it’s worked’: Peter Crouch explains theatrics behind Declan Rice’s red card

15:05 , Mike Jones

Peter Crouch says that Joel Veltman hoodwinked the referee in order to convince him to dismiss Declan Rice in Arsenal’s Premier League clash with Brighton at the Emirates Stadium.

Rice had collected a yellow card in the first half for a heavy tackle on Veltman and received a second for kicking the ball away as the Brighton defender attempted to take a quick free kick in the second half.

Speaking as a pundit on TNT Sports former Liverpool striker Crouch was convinced that Veltman had bought an offence from Rice which changed the outcome of the match.

‘He’s played the referee and it’s worked’: Peter Crouch explains red card decision

Saka speaks to the media

15:00 , Chris Wilson

Bukayo Saka spoke to Match of the Day after the game, and he said that he though the sending off, and result, “was a bit harsh for us”.

“We just want some consistency. Joao Pedro booted the ball halfway across the pitch in the first half and got nothing for it and Dec got the slightest touch and was sent off.

“It is what it is, I don’t want to put the whole game on the referee as we still had chances to win it. It has been a good start.

“Today is a disappointment but it is a long season.”

On the signing of England teammate Raheem Sterling, Saka says: “[A] great signing for us, I am really happy to have him here. I am sure he will do amazing for us.”

Rice’s red card

14:55 , Chris Wilson

Peter Crouch was speaking as part of the TNT Sports panel after the match, and he had the following to say about Declan Rice’s red card:

“Everyone who has played football understands what has happened there.

“Veltman has simply played the referee. There’s no way he’s trying to play a pass 60 yards to nobody.

“He is trying to get Declan Rice into trouble. He knows he’s on a yellow card. It’s worked and that’s been the difference in the game.

“Having said that, Rice does nick the ball away and to the letter of the law that is a yellow card.”

14:45 , Chris Wilson

As we wait for some reaction, here’s a reminder of the remaining matches today (all 3pm unless stated).

Brentford v Southampton

Everton v Bournemouth

Ipswich v Fulham

Leicester v Aston Villa

Nottingham Forest v Wolves

West Ham vs Man City (5.30pm)

Dunk speaks to the media

14:40 , Chris Wilson

Brighton captain Lewis Dunk was the first to speak to TNT Sports. He says he had to “look at myself in the first goal”.

“I had to bounce-back from that. In the end, it’s a good point the Emirates is a tough place to come.”

“You make mistakes and it’s how you react to those mistakes. It was nice to set one up at the other end.

“The way we want to play is forward and vertical - we have quick forwards we can make passes to. We didn’t create enough chances when they went down to 10 men, but we will go away and look at it.

“We always believe we can win any game of football. We are in a good place and we know we can beat anybody.”

14:35 , Chris Wilson

FULL-TIME! Arsenal 1-1 Brighton

14:29 , Chris Wilson

Chris Kavanagh brings an entertaining match to an end, but you’d imagine all the post-match chat will be about that red for Declan Rice.

Arsenal take a point in a game they’ll feel unlucky not to have won, having been dominant in the first half.

For Brighton, they may rue a missed opportunity or two, but it’s still a great result away at a side expected to challenge for the title.

FULL-TIME! Arsenal 1-1 Brighton

14:27 , Chris Wilson

95 mins

Pedro was booked for a comment made to the ref there, just as Brighton line up the free-kick.

Rutter flicks the ball in but Arsenal clear easily.

The full-time whistle goes to boos around the Emirates, and it ends all-square at 1-1!

Arsenal 1-1 Brighton

14:25 , Chris Wilson

94 mins

Raya is booked for time-wasting, with Calafiori penalised for a late challenge moments later.

Brighton attack and Pedro wins a free-kick on the edge of the Arsenal area!

Arsenal 1-1 Brighton

14:24 , Chris Wilson

93 mins

Estupinan gets into another promising position, and Brighton win the corner. Enciso takes, and Raya punches away.

Brighton come again, with Enciso firing a cross into Rutter, who can only head into the ground!

The corner comes in but Pedro fires over.

Arsenal 1-1 Brighton

14:22 , Chris Wilson

91 mins

Saka is furious after the free-kick isn’t given when he falls under the challenge.

Brighton attack and the ball breaks for Baleba in the area, but Raya is quick off his line to collect.

Arsenal 1-1 Brighton

14:20 , Chris Wilson

90 mins

More pressure from Brighton as Baleba rifles in one shot that is blocked by Gabriel, before firing the rebound over.

There’ll be a minimum of six minutes of added time.

Arsenal 1-1 Brighton

14:18 , Chris Wilson

86 mins

Brighton have brought on Julio Enciso and Simon Adingra for Welbeck and Mitoma.

Saka finds himself isolated again as he tried to lead Arsenal out of their half, and moments later Rutter fires a half-volley over.

Why was Declan Rice sent off against Brighton?

14:15 , Chris Wilson

Declan Rice was dismissed from Arsenal’s Premier League match against Brighton after kicking the ball away as Joel Veltman was about to take a free kick for the visitors.

Kai Havertz’s opening goal had sent the Gunners into the lead and the score was 1-0 when Rice was shown the red card early in the second half.

Rice had previously arrived late with a tackle on Veltman in the first half which saw him clip the defender’s leg and earn a first yellow of the match.

Just before the incident, Veltman had been awarded a free kick deep in his own half and looked to take the set piece quickly. Rice nudged the ball away just as the Brighton man took the kick and he followed through to hitting Rice on the leg.

The game was stopped and the referee decided that kicking the ball away was the initial offence and Rice was at fault.

Why was Declan Rice sent off against Brighton?

Arsenal 1-1 Brighton

14:14 , Chris Wilson

84 mins

There’s a little lull in activity at the Emirates – dare I say that both sides look like they’d settle for this result?

Raya goes long with a free-kick, and it comes to Saka, but nobody is there at the end of his clipped ball into the box.

Arsenal 1-1 Brighton

14:13 , Chris Wilson

81 mins

Timber, who looks okay as he trudges off, comes off for Zinchenko.

Brighton attack once more, and Ben White does well to slide in and take the ball away from the overlapping Mitoma.

A first Brighton corner goes behind for another, and the second is headed wide by van Hecke. There was a clash of heads, and Rutter has stayed down, but he’s okay to carry on.

Arsenal 1-1 Brighton

14:08 , Chris Wilson

77 mins

Chance for Brighton now! There’s pinball in the box and it falls to Ayari – he’s got half the goal to aim at, as Raya has fallen, but it’s straight at the Spaniard!

Moments later, Arsenal counter and it’s swept wide to Havertz, who fizzes it across to Saka, but the England winger can only get weak contact on it and directs it right at Verbruggen.

Crazy stuff at the Emirates, and Jurrien Timber is receiving treatment.

Arsenal 1-1 Brighton

14:06 , Chris Wilson

75 mins

CHANCE! So close from Havertz!

welbeck loses out in the challenge on the edge of the Arsenal box and it’s cleared long. It makes its way to Havertz, whose touch takes it away from the defender, and he’s suddenly through! He races towards goal while under pressure from van Hecke, but his shot is too close to Verbruggen, who sticks out a leg to save!

Arsenal 1-1 Brighton

14:03 , Chris Wilson

73 mins

Brighton make their first changes as Minteh and Veltman come off for Georginio Rutter and Pervis Estupinan.

The free-kick is a good one, but it’s headed over by Welbeck.

Arteta replaces Odegaard with Gabriel Martinelli.

Arsenal 1-1 Brighton

14:01 , Chris Wilson

70 mins

Veltman is also down now, and he’s receiving treatment. Minteh has also gone into the book.

Arsenal 1-1 Brighton

14:00 , Chris Wilson

69 mins

Great play from Brighton as van Hecke drives a diagonal ball to Mitoma, who plays a great early cross that is inches away from meeting the foot of Welbeck.

Brighton win the corner, but it’s straight into the hands of Raya.

The Seagulls win it back almost immediately though, with Saka too isolated.

Timber is the latest to go into the book, this one for a late challenge on Minteh.

Arsenal 1-1 Brighton

13:57 , Chris Wilson

67 mins

It’s Brighton’s turn to make the vital interception, as a brilliant Arsenal counter is led by Havertz. He finds Odegaard on the overlap, and Veltman does well to intercept the Norwegians pass to Calafiori, who’d have been clean through and one-on-one.

Arsenal 1-1 Brighton

13:55 , Chris Wilson

65 mins

A vital intervention from Gabriel as he clears Mitoma’s cross after the Brighton winger had beaten Ben White. From the corner, Arsenal clear and counter, with Odegaard wriggling sway to find a cross before eventually winning a throw-in.

Arsenal have their first real period of sustained possession since Rice’s red card.

Arsenal 1-1 Brighton

13:53 , Chris Wilson

63 mins

Plenty more pressure from Brighton, though Arsenal stand firm for now. The home side are struggling to get out, with Havertz very isolated up front.

Arsenal 1-1 Brighton

13:50 , Chris Wilson

59 mins

Calafiori has come on for Trossard, but it’s Brighton with all the possession as Hinshelwood is the latest to put an effort wide.

GOAL! Arsenal 1-1 Brighton

13:49 , Chris Wilson

57 mins

GOAL!

Well, Arsenal’s lead hasn’t lasted long!

Lewis Dunk threads a ball through the two centre-backs to Minteh, who rides the challenge from Gabriel and rifles a shot that Raya can only parry back into the box.

It comes straight into the path of Joao Pedro, who turns it past Raya into the empty portion of the net!

We have a game on our hands in London.

Arsenal 1-0 Brighton

13:46 , Chris Wilson

55 mins

Brighton are really in the ascendancy now, piling on the pressure. A timely reminder that Arsenal have only conceded nine goals in 2024.

Arsenal 1-0 Brighton

13:43 , Chris Wilson

53 mins

Brighton are looking to take advantage straight away but it’s good defending from Arsenal to make two consecutive blocks before the ball rolls to Raya.

It doesn’t look as if Arteta is preparing a sub yet.

Arsenal 1-0 Brighton

13:41 , Chris Wilson

51 mins

Well, it’s the ‘letter of the law’ say the commentators, but that seems harsh. It’s not like Rice booted the ball away – that sort of nudge is rarely, if ever, given a yellow.

Arsenal have a fight on their hands now!

Arsenal 1-0 Brighton

13:40 , Chris Wilson

48 mins

Rice concedes the free-kick deep into the Brighton half, but there’s an incident here as the England man is suddenly down on the floor.

As Veltman lined up to take the free-kick, Rice nudged the ball away and Veltman followed through on the midfielder.

And Rice has been red carded! Chris Kavanagh shows him a second yellow for kicking the ball away, and he’s off down the tunnel!

Bizarre.

KICK-OFF! Arsenal 1-0 Brighton

13:37 , Chris Wilson

46 mins

Arsenal get us back underway and they’re on the attack straight away, with Rice hammering a cross across the face of goal, and it’s cleared for a corner.

Rice delivers the corner too, and it finds its way to Gabriel, who heads wide.

HALF-TIME: Arsenal 1-0 Brighton

13:34 , Chris Wilson

Both sides have emerged back onto the Emirates pitch, so we’re moments away from the second half.

Will Arsenal take advantage of their lead, or can Brighton claw their way back into it?

HALF-TIME: Arsenal 1-0 Brighton

13:33 , Jamie Braidwood

Just when Arsenal needed a clinical finish, Kai Havertz provided it: the Gunners had lost some of their flow after a strong start to the half but the German made the most of his opening and kept cool to lob Bart Verbruggen.

Havertz continues to look more and more comfortable as Arsenal’s No 9 with each passing game. With that goal, he’s now scored 11 in the Premier League since the turn of the year, to go with seven assists. Only Cole Palmer and Erling Haaland have more.

HALF-TIME: Arsenal 1-0 Brighton

13:31 , Chris Wilson

A great half from an Arsenal perspective. The Gunner started well and were creating chance after chance, and even when their momentum faded after repeated breaks in play, they managed to find a goal.

A little fortunate, but great play from Saka and such a calm finish from Havertz.

For Brighton, it’s been a frustrating half overall. They’ve been limited to half-chances by the Arsenal defence, and will be irritated that they didn’t manage to hold out at lev el terms until half-time.

But Fabian Hurzeler will know his side can hurt any team if it all clicks.

13:26 , Chris Wilson

HALF-TIME: Arsenal 1-0 Brighton

13:20 , Chris Wilson

48 mins

There’ll be a late chance for Brighton as Pedro is pulled down by Partey near the box. The Ghanaian is booked, too.

Hinshelwood to take – it’s fizzed in but cleared by Gabriel.

Seconds later, the referee blows the whistle for half-time.

Arsenal 1-0 Brighton

13:18 , Chris Wilson

46 mins

There’ll be four minutes of added time at the end of the half.

Almost a chance for the home side as they win possession near the Brighton box. Saka shifts it to Trossard, whose flick into the path of Havertz is cut out at the last moment.

Moments later, the Belgian cuts in and rifles a shot straight at Verbruggen.

Arsenal 1-0 Brighton

13:15 , Chris Wilson

43 mins

In the aftermath of that Rice challenge, Fabian Hurzeler received the first booking of his Premier League career! You’d imagine the young German will be a little winded after coming up against this Arsenal side, considering the first two matches of his tenure.

Pedro wins a free-kick near the box though, and Brighton have a chance to get back into it – it is out behind for a goal kick.

GOAL! Arsenal 1-0 Brighton

13:14 , Jamie Braidwood at the Emirates

A deserved lead for Arsenal, but such a poor goal to give away from Brighton. Lewis Dunk seemed to lose the track of the goal in the air, and was easily brushed aside from Bukayo Saka.

From there, the finish was quality from Havertz. He scores again, and Saka gets his third assist of the season already.

Arsenal 1-0 Brighton

13:13 , Chris Wilson

41 mins

Partey turns into trouble but does well to win it back, before Declan Rice goes sliding into the challenge. It’s late, but no chance of a red – the England man is booked.

That goal has certainly put some zip back into the tempo of the game, but what a time to score for Arsenal!

GOAL! Arsenal 1-0 Brighton

13:10 , Chris Wilson

38 mins

GOAL! And it’s come from nothing for Arsenal!

The long ball comes up high and Saka is tussling with Dunk. He wins the challenge and it bounces kindly into his path – he races to beat van Hecke to the loose ball and pokes it into the path on the onrushing Kai Havertz, who simply has to lift the ball over Verbruggen and into an empty net.

Arsenal 0-0 Brighton

13:08 , Chris Wilson

36 mins

Unusual from Saka, who seems to forget where he is on the pitch and lets the ball run past him and out of play. Brighton go long and Minteh ends up winning the free-kick under the challenge from Gabriel.

Arsenal 0-0 Brighton

13:06 , Chris Wilson

34 mins

Arsenal aren’t getting a lot of joy down the left, with Veltman getting the better of Torssard on the most recent occasion.

Odegard is fouled in midfield and so Arsenal come again, spreading it wide to Saka, but the Brighton defence forces the home side back into their own half.

This game has lost a lot of that early tempo.

Arsenal 0-0 Brighton

13:02 , Chris Wilson

31 mins

A little more open now, as Arsenal attack and Saka thinks he’s won another foul on the edge of the box, but Mitoma wins it clearly.

Moments later, Baleba intercepts just into the Arsenal half and he has a golden chance to thread it through to Minteh, but he waits too long and clips it high instead. Minteh can’t make much of it, and the chance ends with Mitoma volleying wide from the left.

Arsenal 0-0 Brighton

13:01 , Jamie Braidwood at the Emirates

Credit to Brighton. They’ve found a way to stop the supply the Saka down the right, but Arsenal aren’t moving the ball as quickly as they were in the opening 15 minutes. Arteta is looking agitated on the sideline with the amount of time some of his players are taking on the ball. It’s also got quite scrappy in midfield.

Arsenal 0-0 Brighton

13:00 , Chris Wilson

28 mins

A good overlap from Hinshelwood ends with Brighton winning a corner. It’s a poor delivery though, and the routine ends with Baleba fouling Saka.

Arsenal 0-0 Brighton

12:58 , Chris Wilson

26 mins

Some good defending from van Hecke prevents Havertz from sliding Saka in clean through.

Arsenal have lost a little bit of momentum, while Brighton are enjoying more possession but they’re being stifled by the Gunners’ shape in possession.

Saliba is the latest to intervene, as he’s in the perfect position to cut out Pedro’s cross.

Arsenal 0-0 Brighton

12:54 , Chris Wilson

23 mins

Saka delivers a corner that causes plenty of pinball in the Brighton box, but Baleba does well to cushion it back to Verbruggen.

Brighton go on the attack and it’s swept wide to Minteh, but Veltman’s cross has too much height on it and it’s collected by Raya.

Arsenal 0-0 Brighton

12:53 , Chris Wilson

22 mins

Play resumes and Odegaard looks like he’l be okay. Will those breaks upset the Arsenal rhythm?

Arsenal 0-0 Brighton

12:51 , Chris Wilson

19 mins

Odegaard is the next player down, this one after a challenge from Minteh. VAR check it, but it was okay.

Worry for Arsenal fans though, as the Norwegian is receiving treatment.

Arsenal 0-0 Brighton

12:50 , Chris Wilson

17 mins

CHANCE! Out of nowhere for Arsenal! White plays the diagonal to Trossard, who plays an early sweeping cross that finds Odegaard. The captain is unmarked as he takes it first time, but it’s too close to Verburggen.

Milner is replaced – he makes way for Yasin Ayari.

Arsenal 0-0 Brighton

12:45 , Chris Wilson

14 mins

Half a chance for Brighton as Minteh wins the header, but it’s a comfortable save for Raya.

Brighton look like they will be forced into an early change here, as James Milner is down.

Arsenal 0-0 Brighton

12:44 , Chris Wilson

13 mins

Another Arsenal chance as Saka flicks inside to beat Hinshelwood, but his attempted cross to Havertz is cut out by Dunk.

Some brief respite for Brighton though, as they have some sustained possession just into the Arsenal half.

Arsenal 0-0 Brighton

12:41 , Chris Wilson

10 mins

Complete domination from Arsenal so far. First, Saka finds Odegaard on the overlap but the Norwegian’s cross is headed away. Moments later, Saka tries the early cross first time, but it’s miscued and goes to Verbruggen.

Brighton can’t get out of their own half at the moment.

Arsenal 0-0 Brighton

12:41 , Jamie Braidwood

There was a lot of focus on Leandro Trossard before kick-off, as well as Raheem Sterling given his late move from Chelsea. They’ll be competing for a place on the left wing, along with Gabriel Martinelli.

But the early stages here are a reminder of how much of Arsenal’s play goes down their right, through Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard.

Saka is giving young Jack Hinshelwood a tough first half, and he nearly got in on goal following a gorgeous chipped pass from Odegaard.

It’s so good to watch.

Arsenal 0-0 Brighton

12:39 , Chris Wilson

7 mins

Some lovely play from Odegaard as he receives on the edge of the box and clips a lovely looped ball over the defence and into the path of Saka. The England winger opts for the side-footed volley, but it’s straight at Verbruggen.

Arsenal 0-0 Brighton

12:38 , Chris Wilson

6 mins

Leandro Trossard tries to justify his inclusion almost right away as he cuts inside and clips a cross towards the back post, but it is just out of the reach of Havertz.

Moments later, Hinshelwood drags down Saka on the right-wing edge of the box.

Arsenal 0-0 Brighton

12:35 , Chris Wilson

3 mins

Arsenal have a habit of starting games quickly, and they’re trying to do so again here. Plenty of the ball in the opening stages, and they’re closing down very quickly.

Arsenal 0-0 Brighton

12:34 , Chris Wilson

1 min

Early pressure from Arsenal as Saka carries into the box and tries to deliver a cross, but it’s blocked by Hinshelwood.

KICK-OFF! Arsenal 0-0 Brighton

12:31 , Chris Wilson

The away side get us underway in north London.

Arsenal v Brighton LIVE

12:30 , Jamie Braidwood at the Emirates

There are loud cheers from the Arsenal fans as Raheem Sterling’s name is announced before kick-off at the Emirates. With the 29-year-old signed on loan late last night, he was unable to be registered in time for the game.

Arsenal v Brighton LIVE

12:26 , Chris Wilson

Just five minutes until kick-off at the Emirates, and both sides are coming out onto the pitch.

Will one side keep their 100 per cent winning record? Or will each side have to settle for a point?

Head-to-head

12:20 , Chris Wilson

These two sides have met a total of 30 times, with games dating back to 1935.

Arsenal have won 17 of these matches, with Brighton winning eight and five ending as draws.

The Gunners have won three of their last four league matches against Brighton, but the Seagulls have won three of their seven top-flight away matches versus the Gunners (D1, L3).

Last season, Arsenal won both matches – 2-0 at home and 3-0 away.

Is Arsenal v Brighton on TV today? Kick-off time, channel and how to watch Premier League fixture

12:15 , Chris Wilson

A reminder of how you can watch today’s match, with just 15 minutes until kick-off.

When is Arsenal vs Brighton?

Arsenal vs Brighton kicks off at 12.30pm BST on Saturday 31 August at the Emirates Stadium in London.

How can I watch it?

Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match live on TNT Sports. Subscribers will also be able to watch via the Discovery+ app and website.

Match facts

12:10 , Chris Wilson

Arsenal have won 18 of their 20 top-flight games in 2024, only dropping points in a 0-0 draw at Manchester City and a 2-0 home loss to Aston Villa.

They are aiming to win nine successive Premier League matches for the first time since January to March 2004 – during their ‘Invincibles’ title-winning season.

This year, only Cole Palmer (15 goals, 10 assists) and Erling Haaland (17 goals, one assist) have been directly involved in as many Premier League goals as Kai Havertz (10 goals, seven assists).

Havertz has scored in each of his last three league meetings with Brighton.

If they manage a surprise win at the Emirates, Brighton would win their opening three games of a Premier League season for the first time.

The Seagulls were winless in all seven of their top-flight away games in the capital last season, drawing three and losing four.

Their last victory in London was at the Emirates though – a 3-0 win in May 2023.

Danny Welbeck is looking to score in three consecutive Premier League appearances for the first time since January 2014.

Mikel Arteta on Raheem Sterling loan move

12:06 , Chris Wilson

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta, speaking before the lunchtime kick-off against Brighton, on signing Raheem Sterling:

“We are happy with what we have done, but now the full-focus is on the match.

“We know the qualities he has. It is a bigger step-up for us, we have brought a top talent who has a loads of experience, hopefully he impacts the team in a good way.

On Sterling’s Man City record: “He was playing under a great manager [Pep Guardiola] with great players around him - if you do that he will cause so many issues to a team.”

Arsenal aiming for ninth PL win in a row

12:01 , Jamie Braidwood

Arsenal have the chance to match a 20-year record match Brighton today. The Gunners have not won nine Premier League matches in a row since the ‘Invincibles’ season.

“That would show unbelievable consistency,” Mikel Arteta said.

“It’s already difficult to do what we’ve done, but we want to be better and tomorrow we are going to have to really earn it because we are going to face a really good Brighton side.”

Arsenal’s longest ever winning run in the Premier League is 14 matches, which was set in 2002.

Bukayo Saka has chance to equal Thierry Henry record for Arsenal

11:46 , Jamie Braidwood

After contributions in the wins over Wolves and Aston Villa, Bukayo Saka could become the first Arsenal player since Thierry Henry in 2004-05 to assist a goal in the first three games of a top-flight season.

Meanwhile, in 2024, only Cole Palmer and Erling Haaland have been involved in as many Premier League goals as Kai Havertz. The German has also scored in each of his last three league meetings with Brighton, including the 3-0 win at the Amex last season.

Brighton looking to maintain winning start under Fabian Hurzeler

11:31 , Jamie Braidwood

Fabian Hurzeler is the first Brighton boss to win his opening two league games in charge since Micky Adams in April 1999. The 31-year-old has so far overseen a thumping win against Everton and a dramatic late victory against Manchester United last weekend.

In fact, Brighton could win their opening three games of a Premier League season for the first time, if they win at Arsenal this afternoon. Their last victory at the Emirates came towards the end of the 2022/23 season.

Meanwhile, after scoring against Everton and Manchester United, Danny Welbeck is looking to score in three consecutive Premier League appearances for the first time since January 2014.

Team news

11:25 , Chris Wilson

Just one change for the home side from their win over Villa – Leandro Trossard comes in for Gabriel Martinelli.

For Brighton, there is also just one change; Billy Gilmour comes out as he has left for Napoli, and Carlos Baleba comes in.

Arsenal vs Brighton line-ups

11:19 , Chris Wilson

Arsenal XI: Raya; White, Gabriel, Saliba, Zinchenko; Odegaard, Rice, Partey; Saka, Havertz, Trossard

Subs: Setford, Kiwior, Calafiori, Zinchenko, Jorginho, Lewis-Skelley, Nwaneri, Martinelli.

Brighton XI: Verbruggen; Veltman, van Hecke, Dunk, Hinshelwood; Milner, Baleba; Minteh, Pedro, Mitoma; Welbeck.

Subs: Steele, Lamptey, Julio, Webster, Enciso, Rutter, Adingra, Ayari, Estupinan.

Mikel Arteta says Arsenal ‘very happy’ for Aaron Ramsdale after Southampton move

11:10 , Chris Wilson

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta thanked Aaron Ramsdale as the England international goalkeeper completed a £25m move to Southampton on deadline day. Ramsdale helped Arsenal back into the top four as the Gunners become a force again in the Premier League before he was replaced by David Raya last season.

“First of all, thank you so much for what he’s done for the club and for the team,” Arteta said. “When he joined, he brought a lot of charisma and energy and he was really good at that time.

“Things developed and he had a situation that was difficult for him, and he was insisting a lot that he was very happy when he plays. We tried to fulfil that desire that he had and he looked really excited and happy the other day.

“He’s joining a great club, a great coach and he looks really excited, so I think we’re all happy for him.”

Billy Gilmour completes move from Brighton to Napoli

11:01 , Jamie Braidwood

Brighton sold midfielder Billy Gilmour to Napoli last night for an initial £12m. The Scotland international made 60 appearances for Brighton in two seasons at the club, following a move from Chelsea in 2022.

The move appeared to be off after Brighton’s new £25m midfielder Matt O’Riley suffered a ankle injury just 10 minutes into his debut, but the Italian club persisted and got the deal over the line with hours to spare.

Brighton’s technical director David Weir said, “Billy quickly established himself as a popular figure in the dressing room and was a key player last season when we competed in the Europa League for the first time.

“We wish him the best of luck with this move to Italy and thank him for his efforts with the club.”

Mikel Merino to miss ‘weeks’ of Arsenal action due to shoulder injury in ‘first training session’

10:46 , Jamie Braidwood

Mikel Merino’s Arsenal debut is “weeks” away, according to Mikel Arteta, after the new signing sustained a shoulder injury within days of joining the club.

The midfielder, part of Spain’s Euro 2024-winning squad this summer, joined Arsenal from Real Sociedad.

Gunners fans were hoping they might see the 28-year-old debut for the club on Saturday, at home to Brighton in the Premier League, but Merino has already been sidelined with what appears to be “a small fracture”.

Speaking on Friday, Arteta said: “Very unfortunate, yesterday he had a collision and he has got a shoulder injury unfortunately. It looks like he is going to be out for a few weeks.

“First session with us. It was looking exciting, we were all very excited, everything was looking very good… He landed on the floor, and Gabi went on top of him.”

Mikel Merino to miss ‘weeks’ of Arsenal action due to shoulder injury

Arsenal have to be ‘proud’ of transfer business, says Edu

10:31 , Jamie Braidwood

It was a busy end to the transfer window for Arsenal with the club selling striker Eddie Nketiah to Crystal Palace, goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale to Southampton and loaning Reiss Nelson to Fulham.

In the same window, the Gunners also sold Emile Smith Rowe on a permanent deal and signed Italy defender Riccardo Calafiori and Sain midfielder Mikel Merino, while bringing in Raheem Sterling and Bournemouth goalkeeper Neto on loan.

Sporting director Edu said: “A long day, a long transfer window but in the end, I think we as a club have to be proud once again. The way we are working together, the way we did all the deals.

“I think we are in a very good situation when see all the loan players in the right clubs. You see the signings we have like Riccardo and like Merino, so the players that we planned to sign, our targets, they are here. Also the players that we decided to sell, I think we sold them for the right price, to the right clubs, in the right way also which is important.

“So today to be here on the last day of the transfer window, to get someone like Sterling, who I believe will be someone very important for the squad, who is going to give a lot to the team. So it’s a pleasure, and in the end everyone – not only me because there are a lot of people working here as well – but it’s a pleasure we are finishing the transfer window.”

Raheem Sterling loan ‘makes sense’ for Arsenal - Edu

10:16 , Jamie Braidwood

Arsenal’s sporting director Edu explains why the club made a late move in the transfer window to sign Raheem Sterling on loan.

“To be fair we never planned really to sign him when we started the transfer window, just to be very transparent, for different reasons.

“But we always say to everyone that you have to be prepared for every single scenario. So when that opportunity came to me, and I checked the squad, I checked how he plays, and spoke to Mikel [Arteta] of course. I spoke to Tim [Lewis], our vice-chairman, to check if everyone is comfortable for the step we are going to take, and it makes a lot of sense.

“It makes a lot of sense to have someone like him because I’m pretty sure he is going to add a lot in the squad. He has experience, he understands more than anyone the league, he’s played in the Champions League many times.

“He won the Premier League a few times as well, so I think he can add a lot to our squad and I feel really happy to see someone like him in our squad.”

Raheem Sterling sends message to Arsenal fans after completing loan move from Chelsea

10:01 , Jamie Braidwood

Raheem Sterling shared a message to Arsenal fans after completing his loan move from Chelsea in the early hours of Saturday morning

The England winger, 29, completed a season-long loan move across the capital which was announced almost three hours after the Premier League transfer window closed.

“Hey Gooners, it’s Raheem here. Super excited to be signing for Arsenal and I can’t wait to see you all at the Emirates,” Sterling told fans in a social media message.

He had found himself frozen out at Chelsea under new manager Enzo Maresca, despite having three years remaining on his contract.

Arsenal capture Raheem Sterling with cut-price deal

09:45 , Jamie Braidwood

Raheem Sterling swapped Chelsea for Arsenal in the most eye-catching move of the day, after the winger had been told he was surplus to requirements by Blues manager Enzo Maresca.

The Independent understands that the move was completed after a deal sheet was submitted to the Premier League on time. Sterling joins Arsenal on loan until the end of the season after the clubs agreed there would be no fee and that his vast wages would be shared between them.

The winger escapes his Chelsea nightmare but still faces plenty of competition for a starting spot in the Arsenal team, with Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard already competing for a place on the left wing.

Deadline day: Arsenal sign Raheem Sterling as Chelsea capture Jadon Sancho

Arsenal vs Brighton: Predicted line-ups

09:32 , Jamie Braidwood

Arsenal XI: Raya; White, Gabriel, Saliba, Zinchenko; Odegaard, Rice, Partey; Saka, Havertz, Martinelli.

Brighton XI: Steele; Veltman, van Hecke, Dunk, Kadioglu; Milner, Baleba; Minteh, Pedro, Mitoma; Welbeck.

Brighton team news

09:31 , Jamie Braidwood

New Brighton signing Matt O’Riley will require surgery on his ankle after injuring it on his debut in the Carabao Cup, while fellow new signing Ferdi Kadioglu could be in line to make his debut, with Valentin Barco having gone on loan and Jack Hinshelwood preferred at left-back against United.

Solly March has been ruled out, but Evan Ferguson and Pervis Estupinan could feature after their respective returns from injury. Mats Wieffer is another doubt. Billy Gilmour joined Napoli on transfer deadline day.

Arsenal team news

09:29 , Jamie Braidwood

In terms of injuries, Gabriel Jesus missed the win over Aston Villa with a groin problem, and he remains a doubt. Takehiro Tomiyasu and Kieran Tierney are still unavailable.

New signing Mikel Merino was expected to be in the squad to make his Arsenal debut, though he is now likely to miss ‘weeks’ after the club detected a ‘small fracture’.

Several players will likely have left Arsenal by the time this game comes round too, with Eddie Nketiah, Reiss Nelson and Aaron Ramsdale completing moves away. Raheem Sterling has joined on loan, but is unavailable from today’s squad.

When is Arsenal vs Brighton?

09:27 , Jamie Braidwood

Arsenal vs Brighton kicks off at 12.30pm BST on Saturday 31 August at the Emirates Stadium in London.

How can I watch it?

Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match live on TNT Sports. Subscribers will also be able to watch via the Discovery+ app and website.

If you’re travelling abroad and want to watch major sporting events, you might need a VPN to unblock your streaming app. Our VPN round-up is here to help and includes deals on VPNs in the market. Viewers using a VPN need to make sure that they comply with any local regulations where they are, and also with the terms of their service provider.

Arsenal vs Brighton

Friday 30 August 2024 14:54 , Sonia Twigg

Good morning and welcome to The Independent’s live build up and coverage of Arsenal vs Brighton in the Premier League.

After yesterday’s transfer deadline day chaos, we will be recapping all the action and the biggest transfers, as well as the latest news from the Emirates.

To start things off, one of the biggest moves was former number one Aaron Ramsdale leaving the Emirates for Southampton.