Brighton 3-0 Arsenal: What Arteta saidpublished at 17:38 BST 19 September
17:38 BST 19 September
Media caption,
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta, speaking to BBC Match of the Day: "First of all congratulations to Brighton. I am really disappointed. In the first 20 or 30 minutes, the number of technical errors put us constantly under pressure. It was all related to the start.
"It's a big lesson to learn. What the team has done since the World Cup has been remarkable. But today there is a lot to learn.
"Credit to Brighton for what they have done. I think we were very far from our level. The international break means we have more time to swallow because it's very, very painful. In any game you can get highly exposed if you don't do what you need to do."
Did you know?
Arsenal suffered their biggest Premier League defeat since May 2023, which was also against Brighton (0-3 at Emirates Stadium).
This was Arsenal's biggest league defeat in a season where they were the reigning top-flight champions since October 1989, a 3-0 loss at Everton.
You can also listen to today's 5 Live Premier League commentaries on your smart speaker. Just say "Alexa, ask BBC Sounds to play Brighton v Arsenal" or "Alexa, ask BBC Sounds to play the Newcastle match", for example.
New this season: Live match updates
Fans of Premier League clubs can now get real-time scores live on their phone lock screen for every game.
Simply follow your favourite football teams on the BBC Sport app for updates throughout the 2026-27 season.
Sutton's predictions: Brighton v Arsenal published at 11:05 BST 19 September
11:05 BST 19 September
There might be a bit of an edge to this one after Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler had a pop at Arsenal over their time-wasting when they beat the Seagulls near the end of last season.
I love the way Brighton play and I was at Old Trafford to watch their comeback to beat Manchester United in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday.
It doesn't seem to matter who they are missing from their team, Brighton are just bold as brass with the way they press and get men forward.
Luka Vuskovic, who they got from Spurs for £46m in the summer, is only 19 but he strolled through the game against United. What a player he looks.
The issue I have with Brighton in this game, however, is that Arsenal are not Manchester United. They are a cut above that.
Arsenal are the real deal and I don't see any weaknesses in their team, as their impressive win at Sunderland underlined. They are brave going forward, but they are also streetwise defensively and can see out a game when they have to, time-wasting or not.
They have that steel about them but I also think they could expose Brighton if Hurzeler's side go toe-to-toe with them, which is what I am expecting.
Brighton v Arsenal: Key stats and talking pointspublished at 19:45 BST 18 September
19:45 BST 18 September
Tom McCoy BBC Sport journalist
BBC Sport examines some of the key themes before Saturday's match between Brighton and Arsenal (15:00 BST), with the Gunners looking to make it five league wins from five before the international break.
Seagulls not feeding off scraps
Brighton's 5-0 victory at Coventry City equalled their biggest Premier League away win and took their tally to 13 goals from their opening four matches, a club record at this stage of a top-flight season.
The result also made them the league's top scorers after four matchrounds. That is no fluke, with the Seagulls the only team to have accumulated an expected goals total of 10 or more.
But they have also made the most of their chances, scoring almost three goals more than Opta's xG model would predict, helped by long-range strikes from Lewis Dunk and Yasin Ayari last weekend.
Brighton demonstrated their firepower again in midweek, with 19-year-old Greek striker Charalampos Kostoulas scoring for the second successive game as they came from 2-0 down to win 3-2 at Manchester United in the Carabao Cup.
Fabian Hurzeler's free-scoring side will, however, face a tougher test against the league's strongest defensive unit. Brighton have not beaten Arsenal at home for six years and lost all three league and cup meetings between the sides last season.
In-form Gunners look to extend winning streak
After a scare at Sunderland, where David Raya's penalty save proved decisive, Arsenal made it seven wins from seven this season by beating Ipswich Town in the EFL Cup on Tuesday.
Max Dowman scored twice at Portman Road, becoming only the second 16-year-old, after Wayne Rooney, to net a double for a Premier League side.
But Dowman, who has yet to feature in the top flight this season, may have to bide his time for further opportunities given his team's impressive form.
The Gunners are seeking a 10th consecutive league victory, a feat they last achieved in 2002. Another win on Saturday would leave them four short of the club record, set in 1998.
Arsenal have conceded just twice in their previous nine league games and have barely missed a beat this term, despite the absence of key centre-back William Saliba.
They have conceded only once in the league in 2026-27, while their totals for shots faced, shots on target faced and expected goals against are all the lowest in the division.
Arteta on returning defenders, contract situation and 'remarkable' Brightonpublished at 10:41 BST 18 September
10:41 BST 18 September
Nat Hayward BBC Sport journalist
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Brighton at Amex Stadium (15:00 BST).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
On the availability of Cristhian Mosquera, Ben White, Jurrien Timber and Piero Hincapie, Arteta confirmed: "Everyone is fine. We still have another training session this afternoon, but I'm very optimistic about all of them. They all want to be involved, and we'll use the final session to make sure they're ready."
On if he is close to signing a new contract: "I think we are all very much aligned and whenever the time is right we will get it done. There is nothing to be concerned about. I don't know if the timing will be the same or different [as signing his last extension during the autumn international break]. We both have the same ambition and the same will, so whenever we have time we will get that resolved."
Asked about his criticism of the decision to award Sunderland a penalty, external in last Saturday's 2-0 win at The Stadium of Light, he said: "I am here to try and give my opinion, defend my club, give the very best to my players. In order to do so, I need to respond in the most direct and fair way. I will make mistakes sometimes but I will try and be as fair as possible. We have a space to talk and give our opinions. It's everybody's duty to try and improve the game."
He was asked about summer signing Bruno Guimaraes' best position in the midfield, responding: "He can play on the left, on the right, in the middle. He can rotate from there. He is a dynamic, versatile player that can deliver great moments in any position. It will be more down to what we need on the day, his relationship with the other players, and what the opponent does as well."
On whether Viktor Gyokeres is struggling with confidence having not scored yet this season: "No, especially in the Premier League he hasn't played that many minutes. Last week he played in Napoli and he had a good game. It is about moments as well and we need to give him all the support and confidence that he needs because we know the player that we have and that he has the capacity to score goals. We know what he can give to the team."
On goalkeeper David Raya's rise to the top and fine recent form: "That is a great story, for any kid to look at trajectories and pathways and how you can reach the highest level in football." He added: "I think it's his mentality. David has tremendous quality but he has overcome a lot of difficulties and challenges to reach this point. Now, he has the right to be one of the best. He has elevated the team to a different level and now we have to maintain that level."
Midfielders: Elliot Anderson (Manchester City), Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Myles Lewis-Skelly (Arsenal), Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United), Cole Palmer (Chelsea), Declan Rice (Arsenal), Alex Scott (Bournemouth).
Forwards: Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Dominic Calvert-Lewin (Leeds United), Eberechi Eze (Arsenal), Anthony Gordon (Barcelona), Rio Ngumoha (Liverpool), Marcus Rashford (Manchester United), Morgan Rogers (Chelsea), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal).
Gossip: Junior Kroupi on Arsenal radarpublished at 08:09 BST 18 September
08:09 BST 18 September
Arsenal are extremely keen on a move for Bournemouth and France Under-21s forward Eli Junior Kroupi, 20, but the Cherries would expect a huge fee. (Football London, external)
Meanwhile the Gunners have no intention of selling Martin Zubimendi in January. (Football Insider, external)
Atletico Madrid and Argentina midfielder Julian Alvarez, 26, who counts Arsenal and Barcelona among his suitors, is considering leaving his long-term agent after a summer of transfer speculation. (Mundo Deportivo), external
Gossip: Arsenal rejected Dowman loan offerspublished at 07:13 BST 17 September
07:13 BST 17 September
League One Luton Town approached Arsenal on multiple occasions regarding a loan deal for 16-year-old Max Dowman. (Talksport, external)
Arsenal, Brighton and Aston Villa are all monitoring 17-year-old Austrian midfielder Luca Weinhandl, who could be available from Sturm Graz for around £17m. (CaughtOffside, external)
The Gunners are also monitoring 25-year-old Real Madrid winger Rodrygo's recovery from injury, having previously expressed interest in the Brazilian over the summer. (Teamtalk, external)
English striker Vincent Joseph has confirmed his departure from Liverpool, with the 16-year-old expected to join Arsenal. (Standard, external)
Merino on captaincy 'honour' and 'unbelievable' Dowmanpublished at 16:04 BST 16 September
16:04 BST 16 September
Image source, Getty Images
Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino, who was handed the matchday captaincy by Mikel Arteta for the second time against Ipswich Town, says it is "a huge honour to represent the club in this way".
"He is honestly an unbelievable talent," Merino added. "He is so young and so alive. You can see the joy in his eyes when he plays football.
"Obviously there are things to improve as he is very young. He needs to keep listening and learning from us veterans. We are here to support him and we are going to get him to the best version of himself, for sure."
The Carabao Cup fourth-round draw will take place on 16 September following the conclusion of Manchester United and Brighton's third-round tie.
Ipswich 2-4 Arsenal - the fans' verdictpublished at 12:50 BST 16 September
12:50 BST 16 September
Image source, Getty Images
We asked for your thoughts after Tuesday's Carabao Cup game between Ipswich Town and Arsenal.
Here are some of your comments:
Ipswich fans
Walter: I wish Town would stop the playing out from the back nonsense. It cost us last night and has cost us in previous matches. We looked much better when Leif Davis and Jack Clarke entered the fray. In the end, a cup run is secondary to points in the league so no complaints about fielding the reserves.
Mel: Arsenal played like a well-oiled football machine. It's easy to see why they are Premier League champions. But, particularly late on in the game, Ipswich had them worried and played their best football of the game. We always knew we were playing arguably the best team in the league and we would be lucky to get anything from the game, but scoring two goals against them made a statement. We will get better and will stay up, but as they say, you can't win them all (yet)!
Michael: Heartening display by Town, marred by giving the ball away in crucial positions.
Paul: A little disappointing. We always carry an attacking threat but our habit of conceding goals and looking loose at the back is alarming. The team need to stop conceding goals otherwise I can see us struggling as the season goes on.
Arsenal fans
Stuart: Arsenal were well on top throughout the game and Max Dowman was superb - I don't think it will be long before he is a regular starter. Couple of criticisms, we allowed their wide players too much space and were very pedestrian going side to side, but generally were very good.
Satish: Brilliant going forward, but must not leave the gate open behind! All in all, the going is good - long may it continue!
Vince: Another game that underscored our strength in depth. Guys like Ebere Eze, Noni Madueke, and Mikel Merino - not to mention Dowman too - deserve more minutes in the league but then again, who would you take out? It's an excellent problem for Mikel Arteta.
Tom: I think Max has earned some minutes, Mikel! What a prospect and a joy to watch as he attacks the final third! If he can keep his feet on the ground, he could become an Arsenal superstar! Well done Max!
Gabriel kick on Martinez not a red card offence - panelpublished at 12:02 BST 16 September
12:02 BST 16 September
Dale Johnson Football issues correspondent
Image source, Getty Images
Arsenal defender Gabriel did not commit a red card offence when he kicked Chelsea goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez in the head earlier this month, the Premier League's Key Match Incidents Panel has said.
Several players were on the floor near the goalline when the Brazil defender attempted to kick a loose ball, but made contact with Martinez's face.
Referee Chris Kavanagh could not see the incident, while video assistant referee Darren England did not initiate a review.
Both decisions in the fifth minute of Arsenal's 2-1 win have been unanimously supported by the KMI Panel.
The panel said: "Multiple players were on the ground competing and challenging for the loose ball, and the action of Gabriel was not deemed to be an act of violent conduct or serious foul play."
Will Dowman get his chance now?published at 09:56 BST 16 September
09:56 BST 16 September
Emlyn Begley BBC Sport journalist
Image source, Getty Images
Breaking into the Arsenal first team will be a tough task for Max Dowman, especially when the Premier League champions are in such fine form.
Arsenal have won all seven games this season, across four competitions.
Dowman was an unused substitute in four of those games, and not involved for the other two, before playing all 90 minutes against Ipswich Town.
The Gunners have played the same attackers in each league game so far - Bukayo Saka, Christos Tzolis, Martin Odegaard and Kai Havertz.
But Dowman, especially considering Mikel Arteta turned to him in key moments in last season's title race, will hope to gain more of a supporting role.
"He's an unbelievable talent," team-mate Mikel Merino told BBC Radio 5 Live.
"He will be a star in the future if he keeps his eyes and ears open and keeps learning.
"He's just 16 so he needs a lot of coaching, especially tactically. But I can't take anything away from him. He's always keen to learn. We'll keep helping him."
Quite possibly the best 16-year-old in the world, it is not unthinkable that he could earn his way into England's Euro 2028 thinking.
In fact there was even a debate about whether he should be going to the World Cup earlier this year.
"He is a real superstar," said former England defender Conor Coady on Sky Sports.
"A 16-year-old boy should not be doing this. He has got no better manager than Arteta to look after him. You want him to be looked after properly. If he plays every game at this age, he won't be scoring goals like this."
And it comes on the day it emerged highly rated 15-year-old striker JJ Gabriel is on the verge of leaving Manchester United.
Gabriel had been expected to make his debut in Wednesday's Carabao Cup tie with Brighton.
That will probably deny him the opportunity to break up the stat that the three youngest players to score in the League Cup for a Premier League side all did so for Arsenal.
They are Cesc Fabregas (16y 212d v Wolves, 2003), Dowman (16y 258d v Ipswich) and Jack Wilshere (16y 266d v Sheffield United, 2008).
Ipswich 2-4 Arsenal: What Arteta saidpublished at 22:45 BST 15 September
22:45 BST 15 September
Image source, Getty Images
Mikel Arteta speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live on Max Dowman: "He is 16, we don't really see that in the Premier League. In this environment we want to develop him and we need to look after him."
On his first goal: "Unbelievable, he's unpredictable, he can go either way, so fluid, so nice to watch."
On Arsenal's attitude to games: "That's what we want to do, to face every game, every competition with the same mentality, attitude and desire and so far we are doing it."
Analysis: Dowman makes his claimpublished at 22:07 BST 15 September
22:07 BST 15 September
Emlyn Begley BBC Sport journalist
Image source, Getty Images
Before the game Mikel Arteta said Max Dowman "will have his minutes and he will have to earn them like anybody else".
Last season the teenager played 13 times - and became the youngest Premier League scorer ever against Everton - but had just been an unused substitute this season so far.
He earned those minutes and more at Portman Road - and will surely be getting another chance in the league soon.
His two goals showed different attributes, first of all displaying great skill and good pace to run at Ipswich's defence and finish. For the second one he was alert in the box to receive a pass and then kept his cool to pick his spot.
Dowman also let the ball run to Mikel Merino for his strike to make it 4-0.
He is just the second 16-year-old to score two goals in a game for a Premier League side in any competition, after Wayne Rooney for Everton against Wrexham in 2002 - also in the League Cup.
