Arsenal dominated for large parts of the first-half and took a deserved lead through Kai Havertz’s lobbed finish. It came from a hopeful ball forward by Jurrien Timber, which was not dealt with properly by Lewis Dunk and Bukayo Saka was able to break clear and set up Havertz.
Albion, who were often pinned in their own box, would have considered themselves fortunate to have only been a goal down at half-time.
However, things quickly went wrong for Arsenal.
In a dramatic start to the second-half, Declan Rice was sent off for a second-bookable offence. It appeared Joel Veltman was set to be in trouble for kicking out at Rice but the Dutchman had his eyes on the ball, which was knocked out of play by the Arsenal midfielder.
The visitors took full advantage with Joao Pedro grabbing an equaliser from close range after Yankuba Minteh’s shot was saved. Minteh was brilliantly played in behind the defence by Lewis Dunk.
Despite their numerical disadvantage, Arsenal were still a huge threat – buoyed on by a raucous home crowd. Bart Verbruggen was forced into two brilliant saves to deny Havertz and Saka from point-blank range.
As the clock ticked down, the Seagulls looked the most likely team to find a winner but both sides had to settle for a point – which maintains Fabian Hurzeler’s unbeaten start as Brighton’s manager.
Scroll down and click through to see our player ratings:
However, things quickly went wrong for Arsenal.