- 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri gave the Gunners the lead at the Amex on Saturday
- But Brighton secured a point after Joao Pedro equalised from the penalty spot
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Arsenal’s title hopes were dealt a blow as they were forced to settle for a draw against Brighton on Saturday.
With Bukayo Saka set for an extended spell on the sidelines teenage prospect Ethan Nwaneri was entrusted with just 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 into the lead after just 16 minutes.
Both sides made changes at the interval 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 clashed heads with William Saliba.
The Brazilian duly converted from twelve yards to put 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 were forced to settle for a point as they were unable to hold on to their lead at the Amex
Joao Pedro put Brighton back on level terms after Ethan Nwaneri fired the hosts into the lead
BRIGHTON (4-2-3-1)
BART VERBRUGGEN: 5.5
Had to do better on Nwaneri’s goal, the shot going through him.
JOEL VELTMAN: 6.5
Very physical. Pestered the opposition and didn’t shy away from duels.
JAN PAUL VAN HECKE: 6.5
Nice passing from the back.
IGOR JULIO: 6.5
Stayed in position. Benefitted from lack of Arsenal physical presence among front three.
Seagulls ‘keeper Bart Verbruggen should have done better with Arsenal’s opening goal
Joel Veltman was solid as he consistently prevented Arsenal from making good of their momentum
PERVIS ESTUPINAN: 6
Like Veltman, threw himself around and not afraid of confrontation. Should have done better in lead up to Nwaneri goal.
CARLOS BALEBA: 8
Gave Jorginho big problems and looked powerful in middle of park. Big asset to Brighton.
YASIN AYARI: 6.5
Good ball progression and worked tirelessly across pitch.
BRAJAN GRUDA: 6
Broke up play well. His header gave Matt O’Riley half a chance on 21 minutes.
Brajan Gruda succeeded in breaking up Arsenal’s midfield play on a number of occasions
MATT O’RILEY: 6.5
Set up Simon Adingra, which he could have scored from.
SIMON ADINGRA: 7
Gave Partey a headache, utilising his pace and dribbling skill. Should have done better with his shot on 34 minutes, wildly skewing it wide.
JOAO PEDRO: 6.5
Quiet in parts of the game but, crucially, 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 to deal with in first half. Clattered by Matt O’Riley and continued.
David Raya had little to do for much of the first half but soldiered on after being clattered
THOMAS PARTEY: 6
Stayed put to his position, but outhustled by Simon Adingra on occasion.
WILLIAM SALIBA: 6
Passing between the backline helped slow the game down in the first half after going a goal up. Conceded penalty after his collision with Joao Pedro.
GABRIEL: 6.5
Both he and Saliba ensured Brighton’s joy centrally was limited.
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 once again at right back, Thomas Partey capable in the absence of Jurrien Timber
DECLAN RICE: 7.5
Got himself all over the field. His smart low free-kick on 58 minutes should have been utilised better.
JORGINHO: 5.5
Dispossessed a few times in the middle in an average display.
MIKEL MERINO: 6
Should’ve done better with Rice’s low free-kick.
ETHAN NWANERI: 7
Scored to put his team ahead. Gave the ball away a couple of times. Hooked at half-time.
Declan Rice was as industrious as ever in midfield as Arsenal looked to find an advantage
Ethan Nwaneri impressed on his second league start but was hooked at half time after being booked
Gabriel Jesus was lively when the visitors went forward but failed to add his name to scoresheet
GABRIEL JESUS: 6
Lively around the box. Limited chances in front of goal.
LEANDRO TROSSARD: 6.5
Booed whenever he touched the ball. Ran around with purpose, wanting to get revenge.
SUBSTITUTIONS:
GABRIEL MARTINELLI: 6
MARTIN ODEGAARD: 6
Manager
MIKEL ARTETA: 6
