Arsenal vs Brighton live: Latest score as Nacho Monreal goal gives Gunners lead at the Emirates
Follow the latest from the Premier League clash at the Emirates Stadium
Arsenal can move into fifth place if they beat Brighton and Hove Albion on Sunday afternoon, but already the injury list is starting to swell for Arsene Wenger’s side.
The Gunners will be without at least five players after Laurent Koscielny, Danny Welbeck and Calum Chambers were ruled out along with long-term absentees Francis Coquelin and Santi Cazorla. Mesut Özil, despite pushing for a recall having not started a game since the 3-0 win over Bournmouth three weeks’ ago, is not included in the matchday squad, while Alexis Sanchez and Alexandre Lacazette both start.
Brighton are without influential striker Tomer Hemed as he starts a three-match ban for stamping on Newcastle United defender DeAndre Yedlin, so Jose Izquierdo, Izzy Brown and Solly March form an attacking front-three.
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What time does it start?
Arsenal vs Brighton and Hove Albion kicks off at the Emirates Stadium at 12:00.
Where can I watch it?
The match will be shown live on BT Sport 1 from 11:30am. Highlights will be shown on BBC One from 22.30.
Good morning and welcome to The Independent's live coverage of the Premier League clash between Arsenal and Brighton & Hove Albion, brought to you from the Emirates Stadium.
We'll have the latest team news as soon as it's released at 11am, ahead of the midday kick-off.
Team news...The big story is that Arsenal captain Laurent Koscielny misses out with an injured Achilles, meaning that Rob Holding comes into the back three. The young English defender has not enjoyed a good season so far, and there will be plenty of eyes on how the former Bolton defender handles the step up. Alex Iwobi also starts with Mesut Özil absent from the matchday squad, while Jack Wilshere remains on the bench as he awaits his first league start of the season.
Brighton are without the suspended Tomer Hemed, so Chris Hughton shakes up his squad and goes with a front three of Izzy Brown, Jose Uzquierdo and Solly March, with Gaetan Bong moving to left-back.
CONFIRMED
Arsenal have confirmed that Mesut Özil misses out with the same knee injury that has hampered him over the last few weeks - in which time the Gunners have hit their stride. Coincidence?
Minutes to go until kick-off as the two teams line-up in the tunnel. It's an early start, but we're ready to get the first of three Premier League games underway!
2 mins: POST! What a start by Arsenal! Lacazette sees the ball pop up invitingly in front of him, and he lashes the ball towards goal that cannons back off the post with goalkeeper Ryan well beaten. Sanchez can't strike the rebound goalwards, and the Seagulls escape.
6 mins: It's an impressive start from Arsenal and they're dominating both possession and territory, with Brighton unable to escape the edge of their own area. Xhaka has a long-range effort blocked by Stephens shortly after Dunk intercepts an effort from Sanchez, and the Chilean then has a tame crack at goal that Ryan gathers comfortably.
Ominous signs for Brighton so far.
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