Another dreadful day at the office for the Gunners, whose season is rapidly running away from them. Up against a Brighton side who hadn’t won a game in 2020, Arteta’s players started brightly and were much the better side in the opening 20 minutes, controlling possession while being patient for an opening in the Seagulls organised defence. The first opportunity of the half fell to Bukayo Saka who revived the ball on the edge of the area after Lacazette was clattered into by Bissouma, who somehow escaped a yellow card, firing his right footed shot onto the crossbar leaving Matt Ryan stranded. Arsenal continued to press for the opener, with most of the away sides positive play coming from youngster Saka as he received the ball on the left, whipping in a dangerous cross which was met by Lacazette whose header was smartly saved by Ryan down to his left hand side. Then in the 40th Minute what should have been a routine catch for Bernd Leno turned into a horrific injury due to an unnecessary nudge from Neil Maupay, causing the German shot stopper to fall awkwardly meaning his season is likely to be over. The half ended 0-0 with it all still to play for in the second 45.
The theme of the away side pressing for the breakthrough continued early in the second half as Aubameyang and Lacazette combined as the Gabonese forward found himself in the area at a tight angle, swinging his left boot at it and forcing Ryan into yet another impressive save. Then in the 68th minute, a moment of pure magic and another reminder of why Arsenal fans need to be patient with record signing Nicolas Pepe, finally led to Arsenal going 0-1 up. The Ivorian picked up the ball from the toughest of angles, shifted the ball into his dangerous left foot and unleashed a stunning curling effort into the top corner. However, after what many thought would be the winner in this game, the home side showed signs of a comeback as a corner was taken short and worked well to the left side of the box, Solly March fizzed the ball across Arsenal’s box with Lewis Dunk Meeting it to bundle the ball into the back of the net. Things then went from bad to worse for the visitors as Brighton broke in the 95th minute, playing a clever one two around the Gunners helplessly slow defenders as Maupay latched onto the ball and slotted it around Martinez to give Graham Potters men all three points. The match ended 2-1 to the home side, easing their chances of relegation while crushing Arsenal’s hopes of European Football.
Player Ratings
Bernd Leno: Was solid up until his injury. Praying it isn’t as bad as it looked! Get well soon! 7/10
Héctor Bellerín: Doesn’t Look the same player he was before his injury. Playing as if the injury is still on his mind. 5/10
Shkodran Mustafi: Needs to stay switched on for the full 90. Poor defending for Brighton’s winner. 5/10
Rob Holding: Still lacking match sharpness, but apart from the first goal he wasn’t awful defensively. 6/10
Sead Kolasinac: Wasn’t as effective going forward as he usually is, due to having to cover for Saka when he went on runs. Dominated in the air, but apart from this didn’t offer much else. 5/10
Dani Ceballos: Poor Performance compared to how he played against City. His passing wasn’t as accurate as normal. Should have closed down the cross sooner for Brighton’s first goal. 5/10
Matteo Guendouzi: Looked more disciplined at the base of the midfield, always showed for the ball and tried to keep it moving. One of a few who showed any kind of passion. 6/10
Bukayo Saka: Isn’t phased by any position the manager puts him in, real team player. Looked lively throughout and when Arsenal went forward he always looked like the one who could create something. 7/10. My MOTM
Nicolas Pepe: Was constantly being fouled throughout, as they doubled up on him, however his persistent paid off with a beauty of a goal. 7/10
Aubameyang: Tried to drive the team forward with fast breaks, however when in dangerous positions his shooting let him down. 6/10
Alexandre Lacazette: Worked hard to close their centre backs down. Had an excellent header saved and linked up well with Aubameyang. 6/10
Subs
Emi Martínez: Made an excellent save just after coming on, however could have done better with the winner. 6/10
Eddie Nketiah: Didn’t have loads of time but didn’t impact the game much. 5/10
Gunners Daily 