Arsenal player ratings vs Brighton as Martin Odegaard stars but two 5/10s struggle

ARSENAL 2-1 BRIGHTON: Gunners' player performances rated after Premier League clash at the Emirates Stadium

Arsenal returned to the top of the Premier League after an encouraging victory at home to Brighton. Despite several absences, one occurring to Riccardo Calafiori before kick-off, the Gunners came through.

Arsenal opened the scoring after watching a few early chances go astray, Bukayo Saka finding Martin Odegaard on the edge of the box to strike low past Verbruggen. The second came soon after the break courtesy of yet another own goal, Declan Rice’s corner headed into his own net by Georginio Rutter.

Diego Gomez brought the Seagulls back into the game after finishing a rebound from a post-struck shot. David Raya prevented what looked a certain goal, tipping Yankuba Minteh’s shot just over.

Here is how football.london rated the performances of the Arsenal players:

David Raya – Poor throw early on to hand back possession to Brighton but the Gunners defended the resulting chance well. What a save to deny Minteh from scoring a great curling shot, tipping the ball over the bar. 7

Declan Rice – Playing right-back in the absence of Jurrien Timber, and was making the driving runs he usually does in midfield but in the right-back role. He played the role excellently, winning duels and progressing play and it was his corner that was headed in by Georginio Rutter. 8

William Saliba – Produced a good last-man tackle on Rutter at the start of the second half to prevent a big Brighton chance. Was reunited with his usual defensive partner in the second half and will welcome the Brazilian’s return with open arms. 7

Piero Hincapie – Great tackle in the middle of the park to win possession before the goal. Looked somewhat lost in the Gomez goal as it was Merino putting everything on the line as the Ecuadorian watched on but overall he had a solid game. 7

Myles Lewis-Skelly – A little shaky in the opening moments as he came in to replace Calafiori who was injured in the warm-up. Came off around the 70th minute not long after the Brighton goal broke through the Gunners’ left side, a bit of a struggle for him on a surprise inclusion. 5

Martin Zubimendi – Very unlucky not to score after a backheel flick forced Verbruggen into a good save. Strong in his defensive work once again, too, and produced some great interceptions in the middle of the park. 8

Mikel Merino – I feel like I need to spend a game just watching what Mikel Merino does when playing in midfield. I spot these strong passes now and again, but he goes about his work quietly. Found a great ball into the box that deserved a better end result in the second half. 7

Martin Odegaard – After seeing an early ball to Saka lead to a good chance that failed to hit the target, the captain showed how it is done by slamming a shot courtesy of a Saka setup inside the right post. This was by far his best game of the season and could and maybe should have had some assists to his name with the chances he made for Saka. 9

Bukayo Saka – Early chance for the winger, getting behind De Cuyper and firing a shot straight at Verbruggen. Found Odegaard in plenty of space outside the box to give the Gunners the lead.

Had a couple more chances in the second half, but found the pathway to the goal continually blocked. Had a chance one-on-one late on but couldn't finish which summed up that aspect of his game today 7

Viktor Gyokeres – Had a great chance inside the first couple of minutes but couldn’t truly test Verbruggen with the volley. Another chance came at the back post, but the Swede couldn’t connect with the ball properly, and it ricocheted out of play.

Had the chance in the second half to score, but struck his shot straight at Verbruggen. Again, a tricky performance for the summer signing. 5

Leandro Trossard – Some lovely touches of the ball as his technical ability was on show against his former side with an edge to it. Faded into the second half, however, and it was little surprise to see him replaced before the game was done. 6

Substitutes

Gabriel Magalhaes – A return to action for the first time since the November international break. A very welcome return and helped to see out the victory following the Brighton goal which had the team somewhat nervy. 6

Gabriel Jesus – Straight into the action and winning he duels high up the field, and dropping in where necessary. Saw a shot blocked in the box from a bouncing ball. Came close to scoring only to be pushed in the back at the crucial moment. 6

Gabriel Martinelli – Came on late to replace Leandro Trossard. Showed his speed to get in behind but his chance to cross couldn’t find a teammate. Missed a huge chance after Saka put it on a plate for the Brazilian. Did put a great cross into the box and Jesus looked to be fouled. 6