Arsenal’s resurgence continued with a hard fought 1-0 victory against fellow bottom feeders Brighton & Hove Albion at the Amex Arena. A horrible first half from the Gunners saw them enter the break tied 0-0 with very little positives to think of. However they spruing to life in the second half, spearheaded by yet another fantastic performance from the young Bukayo Saka on the right wing. The England international had a sensational run down the right before squaring a perfect ball for substitute Alexandre Lacazette to cooly slot home, and that was all Arsenal would need to secure the three points. Below are the player ratings from the match:
Player Ratings (1 – 10)
G – Bernd Leno – 7
Excellent performance from Leno in this one. Made a few sure handed saves on the rare occasions that Brighton threatened. Had one moment of madness where he chose to juggle the ball with a defender closing in on him, but managed to clear the danger.
DF – Kieran Tierney – 6
Got forward well as usual but his final ball was a bit off tonight. Defended solidly and was always in position, although Brighton did not attempt to attack down his flank too often. Gave his all and is becoming a real leader by example.
DF – Rob Holding – 6.5
Another solid performance from Holding, who is really coming into his own while getting a long run in the side. Such a powerful presence in the air and did well to deal with countless crosses from the hosts, especially late on.
DF – Pablo Mari – 7
He is not the quickest by any means, but he is so positionally sound that he makes up for his lack of pace. Brilliant in the air and distributed the ball well. Arsenal will need him to keep this up for a couple more matches with Gabriel out with COVID.
DF – Hector Bellerin – 5.5
A mixed bag again from Bellerin, who had good moments going forward but lacked the cutting edge to finish off his runs. Defensively, he struggled in the air against Bernardo, and for some reason was tasked with covering the 6’7 Dan Burn on corners. Got away with it.
MF – Mohammed Elneny – 4.5
Always works hard but has come back down to earth after a bright start to the season. He simply is just a useful squad player, and the fact that he continues to start only shows how shallow Arsenal are in the midfield. Thomas Partey’s imminent return should see the Egyptian head back to the bench.
MF – Granit Xhaka – 6
Solid performance again from Xhaka, who has done well in his quest to redeem himself after the red card a few weeks back. Distributed well, if not always with attacking impetus. Worked hard and made a number of key defensive interventions. He will only be freed up more once Partey returns to the side.
MF – Emile Smith Rowe- 7
What a talent. His two performances this week only make it more frustrating that it took Mikel Arteta so long to see what the youngster can bring to the team. Elegant on the ball at times and always looking to drive forward, which Arsenal have so dearly lacked all year. Had a few terrific, mazey runs that deserved a better end product. Should keep his place against West Brom.
RW – Bukayo Saka – 8.5 (MOTM)
It is insane how good this kid is. He is no undoubtedly the best player in the squad on current form, even if he is just 19 years of age. Unbelievable run and assist to Lacazette for the winner, and worked hard to track back defensively all game. Hopefully the knock he picked up in the second half isn’t serious, as Arsenal are now clearly dependent on him.
LW – Gabriel Martinelli – 6.5
Showed a bit of fatigue, which is understandable considering this was his third start in a week after several months out through injury. Pressed hard as always and did his best to make solid runs in behind, even if he wasn’t picked out. Another solid shift for the young Brazilian who has really breathed life back into the entire side.
ST – Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – 5
Still out of form and it continues to show. Also surprisingly slow at times to press, which is unusual for him. Had one brilliant opportunity denied by a fantastic save, and shot well wide on his only other forray at goal. Was starved of service at times, but didn’t do much to help himself either. Needs a goal or two to help snap him out of it.
Substitutes
ST – Alexandre Lacazette- 8.5
What a brilliant cameo. Came on for the tired Martinelli and instantly scored the match winner with his first touches of the game. Worked much harder to press the Brighton back line than Aubameyang did, and showed great link up play throughout his brief spell on the pitch. Earned a start against West Brom.
MF – Dani Ceballos – 6
Came on for the injured Saka and did well to retain the ball and help see out the game. Minimal impact otherwise
DF – Ainsley Maitland-Niles – N/A
Came on for the last five minutes or so and did his job seeing out the game.
For more Premier League Coverage, click here.
For the full Premier League Table, click here.
