Arsenal take on Brighton as the aftermath of the frantic transfer deadline day is replaced by the Premier League action on the pitch. The Gunners completed the signing of Chelsea winger Raheem Sterling in the early hours of Saturday morning.
But Arsenal were dealt a blow ahead of the match with new signing Mikel Merino ruled out for a “few weeks” with a shoulder injury suffered during an innocuous challenge in training.
Arsenal have won three of their last four matches against Brighton, and will be looking to add to that and secure a ninth successive win for the first time since a spell during the ‘Invincibles’ season in 2003-04.
Mikel Arteta has set his ambitions high this season having been pipped to the title in two successive seasons by Manchester City, and both teams have won both matches to open the season.
Follow all the action in the live blog below:
Arsenal 0-0 Brighton
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.
Chris Wilson31 August 2024 12:41
Arsenal 0-0 Brighton
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.
Jamie Braidwood31 August 2024 12:41
Arsenal 0-0 Brighton
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.
Chris Wilson31 August 2024 12:39
Arsenal 0-0 Brighton
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.
Chris Wilson31 August 2024 12:38
Arsenal 0-0 Brighton
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.
Chris Wilson31 August 2024 12:35
Arsenal 0-0 Brighton
Early pressure from Arsenal as Saka carries into the box and tries to deliver a cross, but it’s blocked by Hinshelwood.
Chris Wilson31 August 2024 12:34
KICK-OFF! Arsenal 0-0 Brighton
The away side get us underway in north London.
Chris Wilson31 August 2024 12:31
Arsenal v Brighton LIVE
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.
Jamie Braidwood at the Emirates31 August 2024 12:30
Arsenal v Brighton LIVE
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?
Chris Wilson31 August 2024 12:26
Head-to-head
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.
Chris Wilson31 August 2024 12:20