Arsenal travel to the American Express Community Stadium on Saturday looking to protect their perfect start to the season. The defending champions have won all seven of their matches across all competitions, but Brighton also arrive in good form after two impressive victories.

Brighton have caused Arsenal problems in previous seasons, although Mikel Arteta’s side won 1–0 on their last visit to the stadium in March.

Brighton have found their scoring touch

Brighton have won four of their last six matches and enter the weekend as the leading scorers in the Premier League, with 13 goals from their opening four games.

They produced their best attacking performance of the season last weekend, beating Coventry 5–0. Brighton then followed that result with an impressive comeback at Old Trafford in the League Cup.

Fabian Hürzeler’s team trailed Manchester United 2–0 before goals from Charalampos Kostoulas, Pascal Gross and Maxim De Cuyper completed a 3–2 victory. The result demonstrated Brighton’s attacking quality, but recovering from a difficult cup match could also have taken something out of the players

Brighton will attempt to play their usual possession-based football against Arsenal. That approach should create opportunities, but it may also leave space for the visitors when possession is lost.

Arsenal remain perfect

Arsenal have started the new season with seven consecutive victories in all competitions, including wins in each of their opening four Premier League matches.

The Gunners have recently won away against Sunderland and Napoli before beating Ipswich 4–2 in the League Cup. Arteta rotated his team against Ipswich, but Arsenal still progressed comfortably, with Max Dowman scoring twice.

Arsenal’s squad depth could be important after a demanding period of domestic and European matches. Ben White, Jurrien Timber, Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapié are all being assessed ahead of the trip, meaning Arteta may once again have to adjust his defence.

Even with those fitness concerns, Arsenal possess enough quality throughout the team to punish Brighton’s aggressive approach.

Previous meeting decided by one goal

Arsenal won 1–0 when the teams last met at the American Express Community Stadium in March. That was a difficult and physical match, and another straightforward victory should not be expected.

Brighton have won four of their last six games, while Arsenal have won their last six, so both teams arrive with confidence.

Verdict

Brighton’s recent performances suggest they can make this competitive, especially at home. Their attacking style should test an Arsenal defence that may be missing several players.

However, Arsenal have won every match this season and continue to find different ways to get results. They also had the opportunity to rotate during the week, which should leave several key players fresh for Saturday.

Brighton will create chances, but Arsenal’s greater quality in both penalty areas should decide the match. A 2–1 away victory looks like the most likely outcome.

Tip

Arsenal to win