Arsenal outgunned as blanks are fired
FOR the second time in five days, Brighton missed an opportunity to go top of the Premier League. Or, on this occasion, joint-top with Chelsea. But if either side is buoyed by this goalless draw, then it will be Graham Potter’s rather than
Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal.
They were head and shoulders the better team for much, if not all, of this contest and will rightly go into the international break full of confidence from it.
But such was their dominance that many supporters will have wandered home believing there’s no reason why their side can’t finish above the Gunners.
Certainly, Brighton are closing the gap on a number of clubs that have been in the top flight far longer than they have.at times in the first half, it was a bit like watching a boxing match with Arsenal backed into a corner.
They were taking punches from all angles and couldn’t find a way to get themselves out, but for all their pressure Brighton couldn’t find a truly punishing blow.
A lovely, ranging pass from Jakub Moder released Leandro Trossard but he got caught in two minds and eventually dragged an effort wide.
The best of their chances fell to Lewis Dunk, when Aaron Ramsdale spilled Neal Maupay’s cross under pressure from Shane Duffy. But somehow the Seagulls captain blazed over from six yards.
Arsenal were unlucky themselves not to register when Bukayo Saka’s cross found Pierre-emerick Aubameyang and he was denied by a post.
If they hoped that foray into their hosts’ box might give them a foothold in the game, though, they were mistaken and soon Brighton went close again.
Neal Maupay delayed a moment before scooping a delicious pass into Adam Lallana’s path. His cross was looking for Trossard but former Brighton man Benwhite got the important touch and the ball went behind for a corner.
And when Dunk found Dan Burn with a lovely deep cross, he headed over another good opportunity.
Brighton had eight shots in that first half but none were on target, though they kept pushing Arsenal back.
Trossard’s shot appeared to strike Saka on an arm but a penalty would have been harsh.
Still Brighton came and there was hope late on that Maupay might upset Arsenal as he has done in the past but Ramsdale punched well, so a point apiece it was.