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Brighton and Arsenal played out an entertaining goalless draw in a 2021-22 Premier League game at the Amex Stadium on Saturday. The Seagulls won't be too happy with the result, as their dominance in the match didn't result in goals, despite creating the better chances on the night.
In the first half alone, the hosts came agonisingly close to scoring numerous times. But their profligacy in front of goal prevented them from breaking the deadlock. The Gunners returned from the break strongly, putting in a much-improved showing, but that wasn't enough to help them see off Brighton.
Admittedly, Pierre-Emrick Aubameyang and Emile Smith Rowe were both denied by some last-ditch blocks after they got in behind the Brighton defence. Then, Aaron Ramsdale produced a key save in the 87th-minute, getting his hands on the ball before a lurking Neal Maupay could make a tap-in.
Overall, it was a fair result, although both sides had come into the game looking for more than just a point.
Brighton remain in fifth-place with 14 points from seven games going into the international break. Meanwhile, Arsenal are down in ninth, trailing the south-coast side by four points.
On that note, here are the five key talking points from the game:
#5 Brighton rue missed chances against Arsenal
The scoreline might suggest an even contest, but Brighton were the more dominant side in the game, especially in the first half.
Graham Potter's side have made their best-ever start to a Premier League season, garnering 13 points from six games coming into tonight's clash. They started on the stronger foot, never taking their feet off the pedal for the remainder of the half.
Passing the ball around quickly and effectively on the break, the Seagulls opened up Arsenal with consummate ease. But the hosts saw four big chances go begging, with Leandro Trossard, Lewis Dunk and Dan Burn missing the target.
Dunk had the easiest chance of them all after Ramsdale spilled a cross into his path. All he had to do was smash the ball home, but the 29-year-old ended up flashing his effort wide off target.
Brighton could've easily ended the game as a contest in the opening stanza itself with a few goals. But their failure to bury their chances kept the match wide open for Arsenal till the very end.
#4 Ben White impresses on his Brighton return
Ben White returned to the Amex Stadium for the first time since his stunning £50 million switch to Arsenal in the summer. He put on a decent show in front of his former supporters.
Having endured a difficult start to life with the north Londoners, the 23-year-old has settled in well now. That was evident in his performance on the night.
Assured at the back and composed in possession, White was solid in defence for Arsenal. He read the game brilliantly, making seven clearances and two key blocks.
His passing left a lot to be desired, though. While Brighton's wastefulness also bailed him out a few times, White's talent was there for all to see.
#3 Aaron Ramsdale proves his worth to Arsenal
More than a few eyebrows were raised when Arsenal splashed big to acquire Aaron Ramsdale from Sheffield United this summer, considering his poor record at the club.
But clearly the Gunners saw something most didn't. And that was clear once again on the night, as the English custodian turned in a top performance in goal, helping Arsenal rescue a point.
Despite the mounting pressure from the Seagulls, Ramsdale never lost his cool, holding his fort well and commanding his area with authority.
Although he had to make only two saves in the match, the second one literally saved Arsenal. Ramsdale got a vital touch to an incoming cross in the 87th minute, which denied Neal Maupay a sure-fire goal.
While most of Arsenal's new signings are still settling in, Ramsdale has already hit the ground running at the club.
#2 This Brighton side is special
Brighton have been the 2021-22 season's biggest surprise in the Premier League. With four wins from their opening six games and just one defeat, the south coast outfit have made their best-ever start to an English top-flight campaign.
Questions persist over how long the side could keep going like this. That's considering their lack of quality players and an inferior squad-depth compared to the usual suspects. But Brighton's performance on the night reinforced the belief that they are no pushovers.
Their manager Graham Potter also deserves credit for his tactical masterclass. He nullified Thomas Partey in midfield, which cut off all the supply lines to Arsenal attackers, Aubameyang and Smith Rowe.
No one can say what the future holds for them. But the Seagulls have been a breath of fresh air so far. Watching them execute a fiery brand of attacking football has been exhilarating.
#1 Erratic Arsenal far from top-six contention
If Arsenal have serious hopes of returning to the Premier League's top six, their performance against Brighton will dampen their ambitions. The Gunners were completely run over by the Seagulls in the first half. The hots created the better chances, held the ball longer and also laid more crosses.
Despite significant improvements after the break, Mike Arteta's side failed to find the back of the net. Aubameyang and Smith Rowe both failed to convert from close range.
Brighton could've even won the game at the death, had it not been for Ramsdale's crucial intervention, which prevented Neal Maupay from a tap-in opportunity.
Arsenal ended the game with just 41% possession and two shots on target from eight attempts. Just to provide a context of the same, Brighton had as many from 21. Are the Gunners looking like a side capable of finishing in the top six? Well, not quite.
