Joao Pedro rescued a point for Brighton as 10-man Arsenal’s 100% start to the new Premier League season came to an end following a 1-1 draw at Emirates Stadium.
The hosts made a supercharged start and broke the deadlock when Kai Havertz latched on to Bukayo Saka’s lovely through ball to coolly lob Bart Verbruggen on 38 minutes.
The Gunners had been the better side but suffered a setback five minutes into the second half when Declan Rice received a second yellow card for appearing to stop the visitors taking a quick free kick.
The incident transformed the complexion of the contest and just shy of the hour, The Seagulls made their man advantage tell when Joao Pedro tucked in the rebound after David Raya had thwarted Yankuba Minteh.
Both sides had chances to win it during a frenetic finale, but Havertz and Saka both failed to find the finish for the home team, while substitute Yasin Ayari fired straight at Raya for the visitors.
The result sees Brighton move top of the Premier League with seven points from three matches under new boss Fabian Hurzeler. Arsenal are second, behind The Seagulls on goals scored, ahead of the rest of the weekend’s action.
Next up, Arsenal face a stern test in the North London derby when they visit Tottenham on Sunday September 15 following the international break. Brighton host Ipswich a day earlier.