First ever Havertz goal from outside box, first ever Rice red card, big Ayari miss & more- Analysis/Talking Points from Arsenal v Brighton

Rice red card vs Brighton 2024

Arsenal’s 100% record in the league came to an end over the weekend as they drew 1-1 with Brighton and Hove Albion at the Emirates. Most pundits pre-match expected the Gunners to beat BHAFC, and on the evidence of the first half, it did look like a victory for the Gunners before a controversial red card to Declan Rice changed the game.

Here are our talking points from the game.

First ever Havertz Premier League goal from outside the box

Kai Havertz scored Arsenal’s only goal of the afternoon and it was a very well-taken one too from the German, chipping the keeper from outside the box following a mistake from Albion defender Lewis Dunk.

Interestingly, this was Havertz’s 34th PL goal (Arsenal + Chelsea combined), but his first league goal scored from outside the box (see the shots map of his goals so far below)

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Arsenal vs Brighton Predictions- Pundits Lawro, Shearer, Merson back Gunners to win

The first Premier League game in GW3 this weekend sees Arsenal host Brighton and Hove Albion at the Emirates Stadium. Both sides are unbeaten as on GW2, and will be looking to maintain their 100% record. Here is what the pundits feel.

Paul Merson

Merson thinks a win is an “absolute necessity” for the Gunners, and thought they nicked a win off Villa last weekend, with AVFC being the better side in the second half.

Merson adds that while Hurzeler has made a dream start to his life as BHAFC Albion and that his side will make it tough for the Gunners, Mikel Arteta’s men will have “just enough” to come away with all three points. Has gone for a 2-1 Arsenal win.

Chris Sutton

At the BBC, Sutton thinks Arsenal’s GW2 victory was a “bit of a statement” because Villa had done a home and away league double over them in 23/24.

Adds that Brighton are “brave” and “will back themselves” but Arsenal, with home advantage, should win 2-0.

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Referee appointed for Arsenal vs Brighton- Gunners unbeaten in last 3 seasons under him

Chris Kavanagh has been appointed as referee for the crunch GW3 clash between Arsenal and Brighton this weekend (24/25 season). Both teams are unbeaten and are in the top four as of Week 2, which means one of the two could potentially lose that status this weekend. The Gunners are also yet to concede a goal in the PL this campaign (GS 4, GA 0)

Arsenal recent games under Chris Kavanagh as referee (2023/24, 2022/23 and 2021/22 seasons)

Liverpool 1-1 Arsenal (23/24)
Chelsea 2-2 Arsenal (23/24)
Newcastle 0-2 Arsenal (22/23)
Arsenal 3-2 Bournemouth (22/23)
Leeds 0-1 Arsenal (22/23)
Arsenal 2-1 Leeds (21/22)

Chris Kavanagh football referee

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