Premier League champions Arsenal head to the American Express Stadium for a tough Matchday 5 encounter in the 2026-27 league season to face Brighton & Hove Albion, as they aim to maintain their perfect start to the season.
Ayomide Oguntimehin provides more insight into the September 19 encounter.
Brighton vs Arsenal match preview
Brighton enter the clash in fifth place on the standings after a decent start to the campaign. The Seagulls finished eighth on the table last season, sealing a return to European club competition as they qualified for the UEFA Conference League. They have started the season with two wins, one draw and one defeat in four games already this season.
Their season began with a 4-0 win over Aston Villa, before they were defeated 4-3 by Chelsea in their second game. Fabian Hurzerler’s men drew 1-1 with Leeds United in their third game and then recorded a resounding 5-0 win over 10-man Coventry City in their most recent league clash.
Happy memories in Manchester… 📸💫 pic.twitter.com/u88gOffxhK
— Brighton & Hove Albion (@BHAFC) September 15, 2026
Arsenal, meanwhile, are one of the two sides this season still with a perfect record alongside Manchester City. The Gunners have won every of their four games and are top via goal difference. The North London club began the season with a dominant 3-0 win over Coventry City, before defeating Aston Villa narrowly in their second game.
Mikel Arteta’s side beat Chelsea and also Sunderland in their next two games of the league campaign. They have also conceded just one goal this season (1), which is the fewest in the whole league.
Brighton vs Arsenal Head-to-Head
(Last five meetings)
- 04.03.2026 – Brighton 0-1 Arsenal
- 27.12.2025 – Arsenal 2-1 Brighton
- 29.10.2025 – Arsenal 2-0 Brighton
- 04.01.2025 – Brighton 1-1 Arsenal
- 31.08.2024 – Arsenal 1-1 Brighton
Arsenal have edged this encounter in recent years, winning three of the last five matches, and they are currently unbeaten during this period.
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Best betting odds
Away (Arsenal) to Win or Draw – 1.23 (via 1xBet)
Prediction
Arsenal have been the better side in recent years and they possess more quality to earn a favourable result against Brighton to maintain their unbeaten start to the season.
Recent form: Brighton
Brighton have enjoyed a good start to the season and have won two of their opening four games, losing one and recording one draw.
The Seagulls are also unbeaten in two games at home this season and they have also kept two clean sheets from the four games during this period.
Goals galore in East Anglia 🙌
Watch the highlights from our Carabao Cup win 🍿 pic.twitter.com/KgcZF5bmIh
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) September 15, 2026
Recent form: Arsenal
Arsenal have been very impressive this season, winning all four of their games in the Premier League and all seven games across all competitions as well.
The Gunners have kept three clean sheets in four games in the league this season and have only conceded once, in a 2-1 win over Chelsea.
Player to watch
Malick Yalcouye (Brighton)
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The Ivorian midfielder has enjoyed a good start to the season at Brighton after spending loan spells elsewhere for the last two seasons.
Malick Yalcouye will be aiming to continue that form against Arsenal and his intensity and movement into the box could cause their defence problem in the clash.
