This exact tie bore far greater weight in 2022/23 than it will this season, or indeed last. When Brighton visited the Emirates en route to their sixth-placed finish under Roberto De Zerbi two seasons ago, they hammered the final nail into Arsenal’s title race coffin courtesy of a 3-0 rollicking.
Last term, things were completely turned on their head when Arsenal secured a 3-0 away victory themselves, four months on from a confidence boosting 2-0 win on home turf. After their assured start, including a noteworthy 2-0 win at Villa Park at the weekend, Arsenal are 7/20 at best with William Hill to make it three out of three. Fabian Hurzeler’s men have a 100% record so far as well though, with their last-gasp victory over Manchester United ensuring they are above the Gunners on goals scored.
Arsenal vs Brighton Tips
Tip # 1 – Kai Havertz to Score First @ 5/1 with bet365, Betfair and Paddy Power
This was a prolific fixture for Kai Havertz as he began to find his feet with Arsenal last season. He scored both home and away against Brighton, and netted his first of this league campaign within half an hour against Wolves. The German appears to be a fluctuating confidence player, but having settled into a regular role in North London, the Gunners are reaping the rewards for his form.
Neither Everton or Manchester United have lined up against Brighton with a demanding enough centre forward. As a result, the first goal the Seagulls conceded came at the hands of a winger cutting inside, but while Bukayo Saka offers that threat in abundance, a more prominent striker in the middle could examine Lewis Dunk and Jean Paul van Hecke’s mettle to an extent it has not been so far this season. Havertz can therefore continue his good recent record against the South coast outfit.
Tip # 2 – Arsenal to Win by 3 Goals @ 5/1 with Betfair
The 5-0 aggregate scoreline between these teams could be matched again this season. Brighton have displayed significant improvement from their results towards the end of 2023/24, but they are still far from operating at their peak from the season before. European football is a possibility again, but even if taking their two performances so far purely on face value, they have some way to go to match Arsenal at the Emirates.
Mikel Arteta’s men continue to look as polished as they have for many years. Their game against Villa was not entirely straightforward, with their victory hard-earned, but few teams emerge from Villa Park with all three points. Similarly, their 2-0 win over Wolves hinted at a side merely warming up for sterner tests ahead, while their defence continues to look extremely solid. David Raya also stepped up with some fine saves on Saturday, so Brighton will have their work cut out at both ends to keep this close. The suspicion is that they won’t be able to.
Arsenal Performances So Far
Although Wolves have subsequently been thumped 6-2 by Chelsea, that should not detract from Arsenal’s cosy 2-0 scoreline which suggested plenty more was in the tank. Their 2-0 win over Aston Villa required them to be at their very best though, so Brighton may prove to be in the firing line of a team knowing they must get the most out of a tricky early run of fixtures.
Arsenal Results So Far
Saturday 17th August – Arsenal 2-0 Wolves
Saturday 24th August – Aston Villa 0-2 Arsenal
Brighton Performances So Far
Fabian Hurzeler’s appointment as a 31-year-old with no prior top flight experience anywhere was so very Brighton, but it is paying early dividends. Everton proved to be kind opening day opponents, but they still dispatched them 3-0, and a memorable 2-1 victory over Manchester United followed, although Hurzeler will have his work cut out to remain unbeaten here.
Brighton Results So Far
Saturday 17th August – Everton 0-3 Brighton
Saturday 24th August – Brighton 2-1 Man Utd
Tuesday 27th August – Brighton 4-0 Crawley (League Cup)
