Arsenal vs Brighton LIVE! Premier League result, match stream, latest updates and reaction today

Arsenal vs Brighton LIVE!

Declan Rice was sent off in controversial fashion as Arsenal were held to a feisty 1-1 draw by Brighton in the Premier League on Saturday. The England midfielder received the first red card of his 245-game top-flight career at the Emirates Stadium, with his second caution for flicking the ball away as Joel Veltman tried to take a quick free-kick the major contentious talking point from an action-packed contest between two in-form sides who had each made 100 per cent starts to the new season.

Arsenal led 1-0 at the time of Rice’s dismissal by referee Chris Kavanagh early in the second half after Kai Havertz had lofted home from Bukayo Saka’s pass after a moment to forget for Lewis Dunk, but held out for only nine minutes with 10 men before Joao Pedro fired in after David Raya had initially denied Yankuba Minteh. There were further chances at either end in a dramatic finish to the contest, with Havertz and Saka both thwarted by Bart Verbruggen as Raya also saved from Yasin Ayari.

Arsenal dropped points for the first time this season after back-to-back wins to start, with their disappointment compounded by reigning champions Manchester City hours later as they brushed aside West Ham 3-1 thanks to another Erling Haaland hat-trick to open up a very early two-point advantage at the Premier League summit. Follow Arsenal vs Brighton reaction live below!

Arsenal vs Brighton highlights

• GOAL! Joao Pedro equalises for Brighton

• RED CARD! Rice sent off for first time in Premier League career

• GOAL! Havertz puts Gunners in front before half-time

Arsenal 1-1 Brighton

14:29 , George Flood

Standard Sport’s Simon Collings at the Emirates Stadium

The fallout from this game will be about the decision to send Declan Rice off.

Different match after that, with Arsenal conceding and being forced to dig in.

Nearly won it with Havertz late on.

Spurs next up, which Rice is suspended for.

Arsenal 1-1 Brighton

14:28 , George Flood

Full-time

Massive boos for referee Chris Kavanagh after the final whistle sounds.

“You’re not fit to referee” sounds out around the ground again.

Arsenal 1-1 Brighton

14:27 , George Flood

96 mins: A late yellow for dissent for Joao Pedro, but Brighton will have one final chance from a free-kick wide on the left.

Estupinan and Enciso stand over it, the former’s delivery flicked on by Rutter - did that hit an arm?

Referee Chris Kavanagh and VAR Andy Madley say no.

Arsenal 1-1 Brighton

14:26 , George Flood

Arsenal 1-1 Brighton

14:25 , George Flood

94 mins: It’s all Brighton in stoppage time, as you might expect.

But Estupinan and Rutter can’t hit the target and Raya is then booked for time-wasting.

Cries of “you’re not fit to referee” ring out around the Emirates.

Arsenal 1-1 Brighton

14:24 , George Flood

92 mins: Raya out bravely again to dive at the feet of Baleba and relieve another bout of Brighton pressure.

This is going to be a nervy last few minutes for Arsenal...

Arsenal 1-1 Brighton

14:22 , George Flood

90 mins: Raya gratefully dives on another loose ball inside the Arsenal box as the fourth official indicates six minutes of stoppage time.

Is there another late twist to come in this remarkable second half?

Arsenal 1-1 Brighton

14:21 , George Flood

88 mins: The impressive Baleba wallops a powerful effort straight into the midriff of Gabriel, who certainly felt that.

Baleba seizes on the loose ball but his second attempt balloons over the crossbar.

Arsenal 1-1 Brighton

14:20 , George Flood

87 mins: Rutter gets his finish all wrong and blazes over to leave Arsenal breathing a sigh of relief after more Brighton pressure.

You have to think that Arteta would be pleased with a point now, despite it being a very early setback to their title hopes.

Arsenal 1-1 Brighton

14:17 , George Flood

85 mins: Two late changes from Brighton.

Mitoma and Welbeck have been replaced by Adingra and Enciso.

Arsenal 1-1 Brighton

14:16

Standard Sport’s Simon Collings at the Emirates Stadium

Nervy stages here. Arteta just turned to the crowd and asked for noise, screaming: "Vamos!"

Arsenal 1-1 Brighton

14:15 , George Flood

83 mins: A nasty clash of heads there between Brighton team-mates Rutter and Van Hecke as they both attacked a corner, but both seem fine to continue.

Arsenal 1-1 Brighton

14:13 , George Flood

81 mins: A superbly-timed tackle from White this time inside the Arsenal box to stop Mitoma in his tracks and give Brighton another corner.

Applause from Timber as he makes his way around the pitch and down the tunnel.

He doesn’t seem to be moving too badly.

Arsenal 1-1 Brighton

14:11

78 mins: Timber is down for Arsenal and receiving treatment.

It doesn’t look great and he’s eventually back on his feet, but he will be going off.

Zinchenko on. Arteta will be praying that’s nothing serious after he missed almost his entire first season at the club through injury.

Arsenal 1-1 Brighton

14:08 , George Flood

76 mins: Raya saves well from Ayari at one end before Arsenal counter again and Havertz crosses for Saka, who connects on the stretch but Verbruggen is there once more.

What a game this is now. End-to-end stuff, you can hardly catch your breath...

Arsenal 1-1 Brighton

14:06 , George Flood

75 mins: Havertz is sent clear and shrugs off Van Hecke before being denied by a crucial low save from Verbruggen.

Saka’s rebound is blocked by Van Hecke after the Arsenal man elected to stay on his feet following an initial challenge.

Would that have been a penalty if he’d have gone down?!

Arsenal 1-1 Brighton

14:05 , George Flood

72 mins: Changes from both managers now.

Arteta has sent on Martinelli for Odegaard.

Estupinan and Rutter replace Veltman and Minteh for Brighton.

Arsenal 1-1 Brighton

14:04 , George Flood

And here’s the equaliser just nine minutes later.

Right place, right time for Joao Pedro...

Arsenal 1-1 Brighton

14:04 , George Flood

Here is the controversial incident that saw Rice pick up his second yellow card...

Arsenal 1-1 Brighton

14:03 , George Flood

Some stat, that.

And two really needless bookings as well.

Though no doubt Arsenal and Arteta will complain bitterly about the second.

Arsenal 1-1 Brighton

14:01 , George Flood

69 mins: A lovely whipped low cross from Mitoma is just out of reach of Welbeck and Calafiori takes no chances in conceding the corner.

Not a good delivery though and Arsenal clear too easily again.

Timber and Minteh clash and both have ended up with yellow cards.

Arsenal 1-1 Brighton

13:58 , George Flood

66 mins: A vital intervention inside the Arsenal six-yard box after Mitoma beats White.

The corner ends up in the grateful hands of Raya.

Suddenly it’s end-to-end stuff with Arsenal countering at pace and Calafiori almost put through.

What a final 25 minutes we have in store at the Emirates.

Arsenal 1-1 Brighton

13:56 , George Flood

Standard Sport’s Simon Collings at the Emirates Stadium

Arsenal playing what looks like a 5-3-1 formation now and they are properly under the pump. Hanging on.

Arsenal 1-1 Brighton

13:56 , George Flood

62 mins: Arsenal’s 10 men continue to soak up massive pressure after that Joao Pedro equaliser.

Mitoma and Minteh are so dangerous down each side...

Arsenal 1-1 Brighton

13:55

60 mins: Arteta does now send on Calafiori.

Trossard off.

GOAL! Arsenal 1-1 Brighton | Joao Pedro 58'

13:49 , George Flood

58 mins: Brighton’s man advantage quickly pays off!

It’s a superb, defence-splitting pass from Dunk to release Minteh in behind Saliba.

Gabriel doesn’t do enough in the challenge and Raya initially saves from Minteh before Joao Pedro is on hand to fire the rebound home under the goalkeeper.

This game has completely turned on its head. A massive test ahead for Arsenal now...

Arsenal 1-0 Brighton

13:48 , George Flood

55 mins: Arsenal’s 10 men are looking very shaky here and Riccardo Calafiori is going to come on shortly.

Arsenal 1-0 Brighton

13:48 , George Flood

53 mins: Spurred on by that dismissal, Brighton are beginning to turn the screw at the Emirates through Mitoma.

Arsenal 1-0 Brighton

13:44

Standard Sport’s Simon Collings at the Emirates Stadium

No Mikel Merino and now Declan Rice also suspended for next month’s north London derby...

Arsenal 1-0 Brighton

13:43 , George Flood

49 mins: Rice was already on a yellow and I think he’s actually been shown a second for kicking the ball away after conceding a free-kick with a foul on Veltman.

Rice was the one who ended up on the floor after being clattered by a frustrated Veltman.

A bizarre sequence of events. And a first-ever red card for Rice I think.

Wow. Game on...

Arsenal 1-0 Brighton

13:40 , George Flood

48 mins: There’s been a coming together here between Veltman and Rice and the home crowd are chanting for a dismissal.

But it’s Rice who has been sent off!

I need to see a replay here...

Arsenal 1-0 Brighton

13:38

47 mins: A fast start to the second period from Arsenal, with a lovely back-heel from Timber after Trossard’s scooped ball to the byline hit by Rice and deflected over by Hinshelwood inside the six-yard box.

The subsequent corner deflects off the head of Dunk before being sent wide by a leaping Gabriel.

Arsenal 1-0 Brighton

13:37 , George Flood

Back underway at the Emirates! No changes from either manager at the break.

Can Arsenal put this game to bed?

Arsenal 1-0 Brighton

13:31 , George Flood

Here is that fine lofted finish from Havertz that has given Arsenal the half-time lead.

He just loves playing at the Emirates.

Just what was Dunk doing there?

Arsenal 1-0 Brighton

13:26 , George Flood

Standard Sport’s Simon Collings at the Emirates Stadium

Arsenal started well, with Saka really sharp, but they dropped off and Brighton came back into it.

Brilliantly taken goal from Havertz after Saka pounced on some lax defending. All very tight.

Arsenal 1-0 Brighton

13:21 , George Flood

Half-time

Arsenal 1-0 Brighton

13:21 , George Flood

49 mins: A late first-half booking for Partey after dragging down the dangerous Joao Pedro, who had done brilliantly to leave Saka behind.

Gabriel gets the free-kick clear and the half-time whistle blows after a bit of a coming together involving Saka on halfway that leaves him on the deck.

Boos from the home fans.

Arsenal 1-0 Brighton

13:19 , George Flood

47 mins: Arsenal are finishing this first half with a flourish during four minutes of stoppage time.

Trossard twists and turns before firing a low strike that is held by Verbruggen.

Could he have played in an unmarked Havertz in the middle there first time?

Not sure how Brighton were denied a corner a few moments ago when a Hinshelwood free-kick to the back post clearly came off the trailing leg of Gabriel.

Hurzeler’s anger justified on that occasion.

Arsenal 1-0 Brighton

13:17

Standard Sport’s Simon Collings at the Emirates Stadium

Hurzeler booked by the referee. He's been more animated than Arteta - and that takes some doing.

Arsenal 1-0 Brighton

13:17

43 mins: Just yellow for Rice after a bit of a wild challenge on Veltman after he had overrun the ball following a tackle by Baleba.

I think that was the right decision, but Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler complains bitterly to the fourth official and has also now been booked by referee Chris Kavanagh.

Arsenal 1-0 Brighton

13:13

Standard Sport’s Malik Ouzia at the Emirates Stadium

Arsenal alert, Brighton asleep. What on earth was Lewis Dunk doing?

Hinshelwood stood waiting for a flag that didn't come. Ruthless from Kai Havertz, which - whisper it - is just what he is these days.

GOAL! Arsenal 1-0 Brighton | Kai Havertz 38'

13:09 , George Flood

38 mins: The Gunners break the deadlock seven minutes before half-time!

Dreadful from Brighton skipper Dunk as he’s easily brushed off by the much smaller Saka, who tees up Havertz for a fine lofted finish as Verbruggen rushes out.

Just what Arsenal needed after a much quieter stretch.

A really poor goal to concede from Brighton’s perspective after they had eventually settled well into the game.

Arsenal 0-0 Brighton

13:09 , George Flood

Standard Sport’s Simon Collings at the Emirates Stadium

Brighton have fought back after a very slow start.

Arsenal struggling to create and losing some control, crowd a bit edgy all of a sudden.

Arsenal 0-0 Brighton

13:07 , George Flood

Not what Arsenal fans will want to hear...

Arsenal 0-0 Brighton

13:06 , George Flood

32 mins: Saka cops an accidental arm across the face from Hinshelwood, who also lands on the England winger in rather painful fashion.

A bit more subdued around the Emirates now after Arsenal’s total early dominance has given way to a far more competitive affair.

The hosts just need to raise their levels once more. The intensity has definitely dropped.

Arsenal 0-0 Brighton

13:03

31 mins: Lovely play from Brighton and Mitoma crashes a low volley wide of Raya’s back post.

What a goal that would have been.

Arsenal 0-0 Brighton

13:02 , George Flood

Standard Sport’s Malik Ouzia at the Emirates Stadium

Martin Odegaard still isn't moving brilliantly after that challenge a few minutes ago.

Arsenal 0-0 Brighton

13:02 , George Flood

28 mins: More encouraging signs for Brighton as Timber takes no chances with a probing ball to the back post, but the corner delivery is poor and Baleba gives away a soft foul on Saka.

At the other end, Saka is brought down by Mitoma, but the referee denies Arsenal another free-kick in a great position outside the box.

Arsenal 0-0 Brighton

12:59 , George Flood

26 mins: Dazzling feet from Pedro to beat a rather sluggish Partey all ends up, but the rock that is Saliba is in the right place at the right time once again to intercept and clear the danger.

Arsenal 0-0 Brighton

12:56 , George Flood

24 mins: Brighton are settling into this game now after a difficult start and getting a foot on the ball.

The delays caused by the Milner injury and Odegaard’s knock have rather served to disrupt Arsenal’s early rhythm.

Arsenal 0-0 Brighton

12:54 , George Flood

22 mins: The television cameras pan to Raheem Sterling watching on from the stands at the Emirates, with Merino also pictured with that injured shoulder in a sling.

Yet more Arsenal pressure from a Saka corner, but Brighton just about deal with it through Van Hecke.

Arsenal 0-0 Brighton

12:52 , George Flood

20 mins: Arteta was angry with Pedro down on the touchline a few minutes ago, now he’ll be displeased with a Minteh challenge on Odegaard that leaves the Arsenal captain in a heap.

He stays down for a little while and needs treatment, but is now back on his feet.

The Emirates breathes a collective sigh of relief.

Arsenal 0-0 Brighton

12:50 , George Flood

Standard Sport’s Simon Collings at the Emirates Stadium

More midfield woes for Brighton, who lost Matt O'Riley on his debut midweek.

Milner down, unprompted, and feeling his calf. Arteta using the time for a mini-team talk.

Arsenal 0-0 Brighton

12:49 , George Flood

18 mins: Arsenal spray a fine ball out left to Trossard, who gets it down and moves forward before delivering a delicious cross that an unmarked Odegaard can only steer straight at Verbruggen on the half-volley.

Another good chance for the dominant Gunners to break the deadlock.

Arsenal 0-0 Brighton

12:48

15 mins: Milner limps off, replaced by young Swedish international Yasin Ayari.

Not what Brighton needed.

Arsenal 0-0 Brighton

12:46 , George Flood

13 mins: The corner comes to nothing before Brighton then offer a warning of their own with Minteh’s header that is repelled by Raya.

Great cross from Pedro and Timber was beaten in the air.

That was going wide anyway.

Brighton are going to have to make an early change here, but it’s not Hinshelwood.

Milner is down and receiving treatment. He won’t be able to continue.

Arsenal 0-0 Brighton

12:44 , George Flood

Standard Sport’s Malik Ouzia at the Emirates Stadium

We're at the stage here where Fabian Hurzeler has to be thinking about changing something.

Hinshelwood is being absolutely ripped to pieces by Bukayo Saka. He cannot live with him.

Arsenal 0-0 Brighton

12:43 , George Flood

10 mins: Brighton have been absolutely under siege in this opening period, with wave after wave of constant Arsenal pressure.

How long can they hold out?

Odegaard provides a probing cross before Saka again gives Hinshelwood an absolutely torrid time.

Penalty appeals are waved away after an effort hits the arm of Dunk, with White’s shot then diverted behind by Van Hecke.

Very ominous signs at the moment for Brighton.

Arsenal 0-0 Brighton

12:39

7 mins: A couple of positive Brighton signs through Joao Pedro, but Arsenal are quickly back in the ascendancy and Trossard’s scooped cross to the back post is overhit for Havertz and drifts wide.

The struggling Hinshelwood has now brought down Saka just outside the box, but the winger’s disappointing low free-kick cannons back off the wall.

But Arsenal are still alive, with a wonderful lofted ball from Odegaard side-footed straight at Verbruggen by Saka.

That was a chance.

Arsenal 0-0 Brighton

12:36 , George Flood

Standard Sport’s Malik Ouzia at the Emirates Stadium

Positive start from Arsenal and an ominous one for Jack Hinshelwood up against Bukayo Saka. He's going to need plenty of help from Kaoru Mitoma ahead of him.

Arsenal 0-0 Brighton

12:35 , George Flood

3 mins: As we are so used to seeing, particularly at the Emirates, Arsenal pile on heavy pressure from the outset.

Verbruggen is called into action early to thwart Saka, who tricks his way past Hinshelwood in the box.

Verbruggen then collects a ball in behind as Brighton soak up the early pressure.

Arsenal vs Brighton

12:31 , George Flood

KICK-OFF

Here we go!

Can Arsenal pass this potentially stern early test of their latest Premier League title credentials?

An overcast and blustery start to the afternoon in north London.

This could be a cracker.

Arsenal vs Brighton

12:29 , George Flood

Here come the teams at the Emirates!

Arsenal in their familiar red and white home strips this afternoon, with Brighton donning their smart yellow away shirts with black pinstripes.

Chris Kavanagh is today’s referee.

Arsenal Champions League fixture dates confirmed

12:21 , George Flood

Uefa have just announced the dates for Arsenal’s eight fixtures in the new-look Champions League ‘league phase’ after the draw conducted in Monaco on Thursday.

It’s a potentially tough trip to Europa League holders Atalanta up first next month in a game sandwiched on a Thursday night between Arsenal’s huge Premier League showdowns with Tottenham and Manchester City...

19/09 - Atalanta (A)

01/10 - PSG (H)

22/10 - Shakhtar (H)

06/11 - Inter (A)

26/11 - Sporting (A)

11/12 - Monaco (H)

22/01 - Dinamo (H)

29/01 - Girona (A)

Injury prevents Ferdi Kadioglu debut for Brighton

12:09 , George Flood

It is worth noting that there is no Ferdi Kadioglu in the Brighton squad today.

The new £25m signing from Fenerbahce - who was unveiled to fans ahead of the Carabao Cup drubbing of Crawley on Tuesday - apparently suffered a minor injury in training this week.

So that’s Kadioglu, Matt O’Riley and Mikel Merino all injured straight after signing for their new clubs this week.

Some rotten luck for both Brighton and Arsenal.

Arsenal hand 'deserved start' to Leandro Trossard

11:58

Standard Sport’s Arsenal correspondent Simon Collings is in position to offer his pre-match thoughts from the Emirates...

Brighton draft in Bart Verbruggen and Carlos Baleba

11:49

Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler has opted for Bart Verbruggen over Jason Steele in goal, with the Dutchman set for his first Premier League appearance of the season after keeping a clean sheet in the Carabao Cup in midweek.

The Seagulls’ only other change from last week’s stunning late win over Manchester United is in midfield, where Billy Gilmour is replaced by Carlos Baleba following his switch to Napoli on deadline day.

Pervis Estupinan is fit enough for the bench after being out with an ankle injury since April and featuring off the bench against Crawley on Tuesday.

Goalkeeper Carl Rushworth was on the bench last weekend but joined Hull on loan yesterday.

No Mats Wieffer in the squad.

Leandro Trossard replaces Gabriel Martinelli in only Arsenal change

11:36 , George Flood

So Arsenal make one change to the side that started at Villa Park last weekend, with Leandro Trossard preferred to Gabriel Martinelli in attack against his former club after scoring with his first touch off the bench seven days ago.

The exits of Aaron Ramsdale, Eddie Nketiah and Reiss Nelson on deadline day mean that youngsters Tommy Setford, Salah-Eddine Oulad M'Hand and Myles Lewis-Skelly all join Ethan Nwaneri on the bench.

As mentioned, Mikel Merino, Gabriel Jesus, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Kieran Tierney are all out injured, with new arrivals Raheem Sterling and Neto not available to feature just yet.

Brighton lineup

11:22 , George Flood

Starting XI: Verbruggen, Veltman, Dunk, Van Hecke, Hinshelwood, Milner, Baleba, Minteh, Joao Pedro, Mitoma, Welbeck

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

Arsenal lineup

11:19

Starting XI: Raya, White, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber, Odegaard, Partey, Rice, Saka, Havertz, Trossard

Subs: Setford, Kiwior, Calafiori, Zinchenko, Lewis-Skelly, Jorginho, Salah, Nwaneri, Martinelli

Edu explains how Arsenal signed Raheem Sterling in transfer admission

11:06 , George Flood

Staying on the subject of Raheem Sterling, who I’m sure will be in attendance at the Emirates to watch his new team-mates in action today, it was interesting to hear the thoughts of Arsenal sporting director Edu after the loan move was clinched very late last night.

He admitted that the winger was not originally a transfer targets of theirs, but could not pass up the opportunity once it was presented.

The Brazilian also believes that Sterling’s trophy-winning experience can play a vital role for Arsenal in their quest to finally end that 20-year Premier League title drought.

“Well to be fair we never planned really to sign him when we started the transfer window, just to be very transparent. For different reasons,” Edu said.

“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.

“Yes, 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.

“It’s the last day, the last minutes, so (it’s been) 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.”

Raheem Sterling: Arsenal move is 'perfect fit' after Chelsea exile

10:52 , George Flood

It was a busy transfer deadline day at Arsenal, with experienced Brazilian goalkeeper Neto first joining on loan from Bournemouth to become David Raya’s No2 after the £25m exit of Aaron Ramsdale to Southampton.

Eddie Nketiah left for Crystal Palace and Reiss Nelson went to Fulham, but the biggest news of the day was Raheem Sterling sealing a late loan switch following his recent Chelsea exile to bolster Mikel Arteta’s attacking options for this latest title push.

The England winger has described his switch from west to north London as the “perfect fit” and is excited to work under Arteta again having previously got the benefit of his wisdom at Manchester City.

“It’s an unbelievable feeling. It’s really exciting. I’m buzzing,” said Sterling.

“It’s one where we kind of left it late but it’s one I was hoping for. Looking at everything, I’m just, like, ‘This is a perfect fit for me’, and I’m super happy that we got it over the line.

“I spoke with Edu and I said that it’s something you can see from the outside, you can see the real togetherness from Mikel’s time here.

“And you see the journey that the boys are on, and you can see the hunger, and I keep saying again, the togetherness is something I’m looking to be a part of.”

Mikel Arteta reveals Mikel Merino plan after injury setback

10:40 , George Flood

However, despite that early setback, Mikel Arteta insists he will keep namesake Merino close to the Arsenal squad in the coming weeks as they navigate some huge challenges including the first north London derby of the new season at Tottenham, the massive early visit of title rivals Manchester City and the start of their campaign in the new-look Champions League.

Arteta also revealed that Merino initially carried on training despite suffering such a painful issue, such was his desire to make an early impression at the club.

“Well, he had the incident and he carried on playing - and training,” said Arteta.

“And at some point we were looking at him and thought he did not look right.

“That shows you how much he wanted it and he did not want to accept that was happening in that moment.

“But actually, that is what happened and now let’s use the time that we have, right now, to make sure he is familiar with everything that we are doing, how we live and what we expect of him, about our team dynamics.

“He will be in every team meeting as well. We will use the time in the best possible way and in a few weeks he will be ready.

“It is very disappointing because you can feel the pain of the player as well.

“We fought so hard for three months to get the player over the line. The club made a huge effort to bring him in and on day one for that to happen, it’s a huge blow.

“But his reaction has been exceptional straight away. We signed him for many years, not for a few weeks and we need to move on.

“These things can happen, it is very unfortunate but this is our reality.”

Mikel Arteta rues 'very unfortunate' Mikel Merino injury

10:31 , George Flood

Confirming Mikel Merino’s shoulder injury yesterday following an accidental and painful collision in his first training session at London Colney, Mikel Arteta said his new signing would be out for “a few weeks”.

Further assessment is set to take place over the coming days, with Merino believed to have suffered a fracture.

Such a blow for Arsenal after they waited so long to get that deal over the line.

“It’s very unfortunate,” Arteta said. “Yesterday he had a collision and got a shoulder injury.

“He’s going to be out for a few weeks.

“It’s really bad luck and we were all very excited.

“He was looking very good, he landed on the floor, Gabi went on top of him and it looks like he’s got a small fracture probably.

“He was in so much pain, so we have to wait and see with the staff to do some more tests to have more conclusive answers.”

Arsenal vs Brighton prediction

10:20 , George Flood

This is a tricky one as Brighton have started well but remain something of an unknown quantity under their new coach.

Arsenal to win, 1-0.

Brighton team news

10:19 , George Flood

Brighton have a similar situation to that of Arsenal and Mikel Merino with regards to Matt O’Riley.

Plenty of excitement greeted the Danish midfielder’s £25million move from Celtic to the south coast on Monday, only for him to limp off less than 10 minutes into his debut in the 4-0 Carabao Cup second-round win over third-tier Crawley on Tuesday night.

A very poor challenge from Jay Williams - which prompted an apology from Crawley manager Scott Lindsey - left new Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler seething and it has since transpired that O’Riley needs surgery on a serious ankle injury.

Fellow new arrival Ferdi Kadioglou - a defender frequently linked with Arsenal in the past - could make his debut today after joining from Fenerbahce for £30m, though Solly March is also out and the likes of Mats Wieffer and Brajan Gruda face late fitness tests.

Brighton let a few players leave on loan on deadline day, while Billy Gilmour joined fellow Scotland midfielder Scott McTominay in joining Napoli in a deal worth a potential £16m.

Arsenal team news

10:08 , George Flood

Arsenal are without new signing Mikel Merino today after their £31.6million arrival from Real Sociedad suffered a shoulder injury in his very first training session at London Colney on Thursday.

Mikel Arteta said yesterday that the Spanish midfielder is set to be sidelined for a number of weeks in a cruel start to his Gunners career.

Arsenal signed both Chelsea winger Raheem Sterling and Bournemouth goalkeeper Neto on loan late on transfer deadline day, but neither will be available to play just yet.

Gabriel Jesus is making good progress in his return from a groin issue, though he won’t be involved this afternoon.

Likewise Takehiro Tomiyasu, whose recovery from a knee issue has been much slower.

Kieran Tierney is also still out with a hamstring injury suffered at Euro 2024, while Arsenal said goodbye to the likes of Aaron Ramsdale and Eddie Nketiah on deadline day.

How to watch Arsenal vs Brighton

10:04 , George Flood

TV channel: In the UK, today’s game will be televised live on TNT Sports 1, with coverage beginning at 11am.Live stream: TNT Sports subscribers can also catch the contest live online via the Discovery+ app and website.

Arsenal vs Brighton live

10:01 , George Flood

Good morning and welcome to Standard Sport’s live coverage of Arsenal vs Brighton in the Premier League.

We’ve got a potential corker coming up in north London this lunchtime as two high-flying teams who have each made 100 per cent starts to the new season go head to head in what promises to be a thrilling showdown and a real early test of Arsenal’s latest title credentials following what proved to be a busy transfer deadline day.

Kick-off is at 12.30pm BST, so keep it right here for all your latest match build-up, team news and live game updates.

We’ll have expert analysis from Standard Sport reporters Simon Collings and Malik Ouzia at the Emirates Stadium.