Ultimately, it was Gabriel Magalhaes who settled the game with his second-half header. Arsenal were grateful to David Raya for making some good saves – but the Gunners also had some golden chances of their own against Tottenham.
And perhaps the best opportunity during the first-half fell to Gabriel Martinelli, with Leandro Trossard doing superbly to flick the ball through to the Brazilian who was able to drive towards Guglielmo Vicario in the Spurs goal.
Unfortunately for Arsenal, Martinelli ended up producing a fairly tame effort straight at Vicario. Understandably, Bukayo Saka was furious with his teammate, with the England international hoping for the ball to be squared across the box.
Arsenal star labelled ‘different class’
Speaking on BBC Radio Five Live, Matthew Upson was extremely critical of Martinelli – but did make sure to praise Trossard for creating the opportunity in the first place.
“Super play, Leandro Trossard was different class. Gabriel Martinelli just didn’t make the most of the situation,” he said.
“It was a great opportunity, coming inside on his right foot, really tame effort straight at Guglielmo Vicario. Simple save. Martinelli executed it really poorly.”
Leandro Trossard steps up in the big moments
Arsenal have not yet hit top gear in the early weeks of the season, so they can be incredibly happy with their start to the campaign, with three wins and a draw so far. They have proved a real point with their wins away at Aston Villa and Tottenham.
It was also hard to see Brighton coming back into the game had Declan Rice not been sent off in the 1-1 draw before the international break.
Trossard has come up with a number of big moments throughout his Arsenal career, with his strike putting the Gunners in front away at Villa Park. And on another day, he could have definitely had an assist for Martinelli after that lovely pass on Sunday.
Clearly, the 29-year-old has a big role to play for Arsenal as they look to finally clear that last hurdle at the third attempt this season.
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