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BRIGHTON 0-1 ARSENAL: Here is how football.london rated the performances of the Arsenal players in their clash with Brighton in the Premier League
Arsenal secured a monumental victory on the road at Brighton as they took another step toward the Premier League title.
The Gunners took the lead courtesy of Bukayo Saka, whose shot from outside the box deflected off Carlos Baleba and went through the legs of Bart Verbruggen. The Gunners were lucky to go in at the break with the lead, their long-ball game was surrendering possession alarmingly.
Gabriel Magalhaes had to stand tall at the back for the majority of the game, diving in to make some huge challenges. But the introduction of Kai Havertz was a critical point in the game, and his presence was crucial to the control that had been lacking for the vast majority of the match.
Here is how football.london rated the performances of the Arsenal players involved:
David Raya – An early mistake from the Spaniard nearly cost the Gunners a goal. He dealt well with the crosses and balls into the box and he needed to. 7
Jurrien Timber – Another player who looked so tired in this game, with Ben White out, where he gets a rest looks in doubt. But he continued to fight hard and defended well when called upon. 7
Cristhian Mosquera – Having been booked, Fabian Hurzeler was screaming for a second booking following another challenge. Did not have a good game, and was beaten by Minteh for a key chance and was taken off shortly after. 5
Gabriel Magalhaes – Was forced into some early rescue work, heading away what looked a clear goal. Produced another excellent sliding block on Mitoma.
Slid in to block the cross from Minteh which could have also found the back of he net. What a display and one that deserves huge praise. 9
Piero Hincapie – The Ecuadorian has made the left-back slot his own and was again defensively solid. Showed some great speed and strength in moments too and when moved to right centre-half, filled in excellently there too. 9
Martin Zubimendi – Made a mistake early on, too, and took a knock. He just looks a shadow of the player from the first half of the season and it begs the question why Christian Norgaard is not being used more. 5
Declan Rice – A couple of mistakes in the first half, and had to do well to recover after a poor back pass. He looks tired, and he does not look like his usual imperious self but in the second half dug in big time to aid his team. 7
Eberechi Eze – So little involvement in the first half, and with how long ball Arsenal went he couldn’t get into the game. 5
Bukayo Saka – Had a great early chance, set in behind and should have taken the shot instead of the blind cross with no one at the back post. Had no right to score the opening goal but the deflection from range wrongfooted Verbruggen. 7
Viktor Gyokeres – Had one man to beat to create a one-on-one chance but was tackled. If long-ball is the game, the Swede is just simply not the man to launch balls up to. 4
Gabriel Martinelli – Ran the channels but saw very little of the ball with the amount of long hopeful balls up to the front line. 4
Substitutes:
Kai Havertz – Came close to a goal shortly after coming on as Carlos Baleba slid in to block the shot at goal. The German definitely changed the game for the Gunners, getting on the ball and giving them an outlet. 8
Leandro Trossard – Certainly helped to make a difference after coming on, getting on the ball much more than the man he replaced. Had a great chance inside the box but skewed it wide. 7
Riccardo Calafiori – Came on to play at left-back and the Gunners benefitted from his presence in a big way. 7
Christian Norgaard – Came on late to replace Martin Zubimendi. Didn’t really see much of the ball. 5
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