Brighton and Hove Albion 0-0 Arsenal: 5 talking points as misfiring Gunners settle for share of the spoils | Premier League 2021-22

#3 Aaron Ramsdale proves his worth to Arsenal

Aaron Ramsdale saved Arsenal's beacon with this fabulous save.

More than a few eyebrows were raised when Arsenal splashed big to acquire Aaron Ramsdale from Sheffield United this summer, considering his poor record at the club.

But clearly the Gunners saw something most didn't. And that was clear once again on the night, as the English custodian turned in a top performance in goal, helping Arsenal rescue a point.

Despite the mounting pressure from the Seagulls, Ramsdale never lost his cool, holding his fort well and commanding his area with authority.

Although he had to make only two saves in the match, the second one literally saved Arsenal. Ramsdale got a vital touch to an incoming cross in the 87th minute, which denied Neal Maupay a sure-fire goal.

While most of Arsenal's new signings are still settling in, Ramsdale has already hit the ground running at the club.

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#2 This Brighton side is special

Brighton have looked every bit like a side ready to play in Europe.

Brighton have been the 2021-22 season's biggest surprise in the Premier League. With four wins from their opening six games and just one defeat, the south coast outfit have made their best-ever start to an English top-flight campaign.

Questions persist over how long the side could keep going like this. That's considering their lack of quality players and an inferior squad-depth compared to the usual suspects. But Brighton's performance on the night reinforced the belief that they are no pushovers.

Their manager Graham Potter also deserves credit for his tactical masterclass. He nullified Thomas Partey in midfield, which cut off all the supply lines to Arsenal attackers, Aubameyang and Smith Rowe.

No one can say what the future holds for them. But the Seagulls have been a breath of fresh air so far. Watching them execute a fiery brand of attacking football has been exhilarating.

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#1 Erratic Arsenal far from top-six contention

Arsenal still do not have the quality to finish inside the top six.

If Arsenal have serious hopes of returning to the Premier League's top six, their performance against Brighton will dampen their ambitions. The Gunners were completely run over by the Seagulls in the first half. The hots created the better chances, held the ball longer and also laid more crosses.

Despite significant improvements after the break, Mike Arteta's side failed to find the back of the net. Aubameyang and Smith Rowe both failed to convert from close range.

Brighton could've even won the game at the death, had it not been for Ramsdale's crucial intervention, which prevented Neal Maupay from a tap-in opportunity.

Arsenal ended the game with just 41% possession and two shots on target from eight attempts. Just to provide a context of the same, Brighton had as many from 21. Are the Gunners looking like a side capable of finishing in the top six? Well, not quite.