Arsenal’s four-match winning streak came to an end after they were held to a 0-0 draw by Brighton and Hove Albion.
The spoils were shared during a generally low-key contest at the Amex Stadium, where both sides could only muster four shots on target between them.
Nevertheless, the point was enough for the two teams to extend their respective unbeaten runs to five matches in all competitions.
Although, Brighton missed the chance to move joint-top of the Premier League, they recorded their eighth home top-flight clean sheet of 2021; a tally only bettered by Manchester City and Chelsea.
The hosts’ defence was tested inside the opening minute as Bukayo Saka embarked on a strong individual run before drilling straight at Robert Sanchez.
Opposite number Aaron Ramsdale endured a nervy moment at the other end; the Arsenal goalkeeper spilling Neal Maupay’s 21st-minute cross, only for Lewis Dunk to fire over from close range on his 350th appearance for the club.
Targeting a fourth win in five home games, Brighton continued to threaten with an important last-ditch intervention preventing Leandro Trossard from applying the finishing touch to Adam Lallana’s centre.
Arsenal – winners in nine of their 15 previous away outings – went close five minutes before the break as Thomas Partey’s placed effort flashed narrowly wide of the target.
Chances were fewer and further between after the break, although Sanchez came to Brighton’s rescue 14 minutes from time with smart reflexes to deny Emile Smith-Rowe after a quick counter by the visitors.
The hosts finished strongly with substitute Solly March testing Ramsdale and Shane Duffy heading wide, but nothing could separate the two sides.
