Brighton 1-1 Arsenal PLAYER RATINGS: Which Gunners star was ‘average’ in midfield? Who was ‘outhustled’ at the Amex? And who alone looked like they ‘wanted revenge’ after the equaliser?
- 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri gave the Gunners the lead at the Amex on Saturday
- But Brighton secured a point after Joao Pedro equalized from the penalty spot
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Arsenal’s title hopes were dealt a blow when they had to settle for a draw against Brighton on Saturday.
With Bukayo Saka on the sidelines for an extended period, teenager Ethan Nwaneri was handed only his second ever Premier League start by Mikel Arteta.
The 17-year-old academy graduate quickly repaid his manager’s faith by firing the Gunners ahead after just 16 minutes.
Both sides made changes at the break but it was Brighton who would seize the initiative in the second half, with referee Anthony Taylor pointing to the spot on the hour mark after Joao Pedro had a head-to-head battle with William Saliba.
The Brazilian duly converted from 12 yards to bring the hosts back on level terms and secure a point for Fabian Hurzeler’s side.
Mail Sport’s ISAAN KHAN was at the Amex to give his expert analysis on both teams.
Arsenal had to settle for a point as they could not maintain their lead at the Amex
Joao Pedro brought Brighton back on level terms after Ethan Nwaneri gave the hosts the lead
BRIGHTON (4-2-3-1)
BART VERBRUGGEN: 5.5
Had to do better on Nwaneri’s goal, the shot went through him.
JOEL VELTMAN: 6.5
Very physical. He teased the opposition and did not shy away from duels.
JAN PAUL VAN HECKE: 6.5
Nice pass from behind.
IGOR JULIO: 6.5
Stayed in position. Benefited from Arsenal’s lack of physical presence among the front three.
Meeuwen’s keeper Bart Verbruggen should have done better with Arsenal’s opening goal
Joel Veltman was solid as he consistently prevented Arsenal from capitalizing on their momentum
PERVIS ESTUPINAN: 6
Just like Veltman, he turned around and was not afraid of confrontation. Should have done better in the build up to the Nwaneri goal.
CARLOS BALEBA: 8
Gave Jorginho big problems and looked powerful in the middle of the park. Great asset for Brighton.
YASIN AYARI: 6.5
Good ball progression and worked tirelessly across the field.
BRAJAN GRUDA: 6
Play well apart. His header gave Matt O’Riley a half chance in the 21st minute.
Brajan Gruda managed to break up play in Arsenal’s midfield on a number of occasions
MAT O’RILEY: 6.5
Set up Simon Adingra, from where he could have scored.
SIMON ADINGRA: 7
It gave Partey a headache by exploiting his pace and dribbling skills. Should have done better with his shot in the 34th minute, which went wildly wide.
JOAO PEDRO: 6.5
It was quiet during parts of the match, but crucially he took his penalty with aplomb.
substitutes:
GEORGINIO RUTTER: 6.5
Joao Pedro stepped up when it mattered most to ensure Brighton walked away with a point
YANKUBA MINTEH: 6.5
KAORU MITOMA: 6.5
ADAM WEBSTER: 6.5
Manager:
FABIAN HURZELER: 6.5
ARSENAL (4-3-3)
DAVID RAYA: 6.5
Not too much action in the first half. Clanged by Matt O’Riley and continued.
David Raya had little to do for most of the first half but continued after being clattered
THOMAS PARTY: 6
He stayed in place, but was occasionally overtaken by Simon Adingra.
WILLEM SALIBA: 6
Passing between the back line slowed down the game in the first half after a goal had been scored in front of it. Awarded penalty after his collision with Joao Pedro.
GABRIEL: 6.5
Both he and Saliba ensured that Brighton’s joy was limited centrally.
RICCARDO CALAFIORI: 6.5
Willing to receive the ball in tight positions and kept looking for the overlaps to make.
After Arsenal took the lead, William Saliba was key to their control throughout the first half
Deployed again at right back, Thomas Partey capable in the absence of Jurrien Timber
DECLAN RICE: 7.5
Got himself all over the field. His clever low free-kick in the 58th minute could have been put to better use.
JORGINHO: 5.5
Dispossessed a few times in the middle in an average view.
MIKEL MERINO: 6
Should have done better with Rice’s low free-kick.
ETHAN NWANERI: 7
Scored to put his team ahead. I gave the ball away a few times. Crocheted during half time.
Declan Rice was as diligent as ever in midfield as Arsenal looked for an advantage
Ethan Nwaneri impressed in his second league start but was hooked at half-time after being shown a yellow card
Gabriel Jesus was lively as the visitors went forward but failed to add his name to the scoresheet
GABRIEL JESUS: 6
Lively around the box. Limited chances in front of goal.
LEANDRO TROSSARD: 6.5
He was booed when he touched the ball. Running around purposefully and wanting revenge.
REPLACEMENTS:
GABRIEL MARTINELLI: 6
MARTIJN ODEGAARD: 6
Manager
MIKEL ARTETA: 6
