By Josh James
WHAT HAPPENED
We toiled to a goalless draw at a rain-lashed Amex Stadium to extend our unbeaten run in the Premier League to four games.
In truth we didn't do enough to deserve all three points, and were grateful for some wayward finishing from the hosts - in the opening 45 minutes especially.
To be honest we struggled to get to grips with the difficult conditions throughout the opening half. As the rain fell consistently, we spent most of the first period camped in our own half.
Bukayo Saka had actually carved the first chance of the game, after just a couple of minutes, outsprinting Dan Burn on the right flank, but his low shot was easily gathered by Robert Sanchez.
From then on though, Brighton dictated most of the play, having eight shots in the first half, though perhaps crucially none on target.
There was a real let off when Lewis Dunk blazed over from close range after Aaron Ramsdale juggled a cross. Neal Maupay's aim was also lacking when a cross fell to him six yards out.
Thomas Partey shot well over from a free-kick, then had a low shot just wide, while Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang headed against the upright from a narrow angle. But in truth we were second best for the opening period.
Aubameyang looked to have a one on one with Sanchez early in the second half, only to be brought back after a very late - but correct - offside flag.
But our best chance came with 15 minutes remaining. Thomas Partey released Smith Rowe with a first-time pass, Smith Rowe advanced into the area and shot low at the near post, but Sanchez denied him. Saka was screaming for the cross all the while.
Ramsdale made a big save from Solly March to keep it goalless late on, and in the end we had to settle for a single point.
TEAM NEWS
Mikel Arteta made just one change from the victory over Tottenham last weekend, with Sambi Lokonga replacing the injured Granit Xhaka in midfield.
It means it was the same back four again in the Premier League, with Ben White playing against his former club after his big summer move.
WHAT IT MEANS
WHAT'S NEXT
There's no domestic action for a couple of weeks now as players join up with their countries for the international break. We return on Monday, October 18 for a Premier League game against Crystal Palace at the Emirates, followed by another home game - against Aston Villa - on Friday, October 22.
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