Brighton 0-0 Arsenal: Gunners' winning streak halted in stalemate

Arsenal's four-match winning streak came to an end after they were held to a 0-0 draw by Brighton and Hove Albion.

The spoils were shared during a generally low-key contest at the Amex Stadium, where both sides could only muster four shots on target between them.

Nevertheless, the point was enough for the two teams to extend their respective unbeaten runs to five matches in all competitions.

While Brighton missed the chance to move joint-top of the Premier League, they recorded their eighth home top-flight clean sheet of 2021; a tally only bettered by Manchester City and Chelsea.

5 - Arsenal have scored just five goals in their opening seven league games, their fewest at this stage of a season since 1986-87 (also five goals), in what was George Graham’s first campaign in charge of the Gunners. Lacking.

The hosts' defence was tested inside the opening minute as Bukayo Saka embarked on a strong individual run before drilling straight at Robert Sanchez.

Opposite number Aaron Ramsdale endured a nervy moment at the other end; the Arsenal goalkeeper spilling Neal Maupay's 21st-minute cross, only for Lewis Dunk to fire over from close range on his 350th appearance for the club.

Targeting a fourth win in five home games, Brighton continued to threaten with an important last-ditch intervention preventing Leandro Trossard from applying the finishing touch to Adam Lallana's centre.

Arsenal – winners in nine of their 15 previous away outings – went close five minutes before the break as Thomas Partey's placed effort flashed narrowly wide of the target.

Chances were fewer and further between after the break, although Sanchez came to Brighton's rescue 14 minutes from time with smart reflexes to deny Emile Smith-Rowe after a quick counter by the visitors.

The hosts finished strongly with substitute Solly March testing Ramsdale and Shane Duffy heading wide, but nothing could separate the two sides.
 

What does it mean? Brighton up to fifth, Arsenal into double figures

The point moves Brighton above Manchester City to fifth place in the Premier League, although they missed the chance to go level with leaders Chelsea.

Meanwhile, Arsenal now have 10 points from their opening seven matches despite seeing their three-game league winning run halted.

All White on the night

Former Brighton defender White was making his first appearance against the Seagulls since departing for £50 million.

The England international produced an assured display at the back. He led the way with seven clearances, while only Gabriel Magalhaes and Emile Smith Rowe (both six) gained possession more times than him (five) for the visitors.

Aubameyang struggles

The Arsenal skipper arrived at the Amex having found the net five times in as many appearances across all competitions.

However, he endured a quiet day; registering just 23 touches, completing six of only 11 passes and having only a single shot on goal, which was blocked.

Key Opta Stats

- This was Brighton's 18th 0-0 draw in the Premier League since their first season in 2017-18, taking part in four more goalless draws than any other side in this time.
- For Arsenal, it was their fifth 0-0 draw in 65 league games under Mikel Arteta – they did not have any goalless draws in the competition under his predecessor Unai Emery (51 games).
- Marc Cucurella created four chances in this match, with three of them coming in open play. Only once has he created more chances in a single match in Europe's big-five leagues (five for Getafe vs Valencia in February 2020).
- Ramsdale has kept three clean sheets in four league matches with Arsenal – he only kept five in the entirety of the 2020-21 season with Sheffield United (38 matches).
- Duffy has had 12 attempts at goal from corner situations in the Premier League this season, four more than any other player. He also leads all Brighton players for shots inside the box (13).

What’s next?

Both sides return to action after the international break. Brighton travel to Norwich City on October 16, while Arsenal host Crystal Palace two days later.