A watchable grapple in the rain will leave both teams feeling they are broadly moving in the right direction. While Brighton were the better side, they did not create enough clear chances to force the goal their reliably smooth approach work merited; they will not be too unhappy to finish the day in fifth place, though, while Arsenal will take some heart from another baby step forwards.
Mikel Arteta will surely seek more consistent goal threat and fluidity from his players, who were so expressive in defeating Spurs last Sunday, but his defence held firm in periods of severe pressure where some of its recent predecessors may have buckled.
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