Arsenal player ratings vs Brighton: Ethan Nwaneri a shining light but Leandro Trossard quiet on frustrating evening | OneFootball

How we rated the Arsenal players from their draw away at Brighton

Arsenal were only able to close the gap on Premier League leaders Liverpool to five points after being held to a draw at Brighton.

The Gunners took the lead in the first-half thanks to a goal from teenager Ethan Nwaneri after 16 minutes.

Brighton, however, equalised after the break when Joao Pedro won and converted a penalty just after the hour mark.

The draw means Arsenal closed the gap on league leaders Liverpool to five points - but Arne Slot’s side have two games in hand.

Simon Collings was at the Amex to see Arsenal in action...

David Raya 6

Didn't really have much to do as Brighton didn't create much and, when they did, they spurned their efforts high and wide.

Thomas Partey 6

Tasked with filling in at right-back in the absence of Jurrien Timber, who was suspended. Had a good first-half, but faded.

William Saliba 7

Had a great game that was undone by giving away a penalty, which looked soft. Other than that, he was dominant.

Gabriel 7

Like Saliba, he had a good game and dealt well with Brighton’s forwards. Not his usual threat from set-pieces, though.

Riccardo Calafiori 7

Looked rusty at Brentford earlier this week and was sharper this evening. Will have a big role to play in the second half of the season.

Declan Rice 7

Essentially asked to play Martin Odegaard’s role as the right No8 in midfield. Pressed well high up the pitch and did a decent job in an awkward position for him.

Jorginho 6

Brought in to play at the base of midfield. Was fairly steady - and created a good chance for Gabriel Jesus. Off around the hour mark as Arsenal searched for a winner.

Jorginho was handed a rare start in Arsenal’s draw against Brighton.

Arsenal FC via Getty Images

Mikel Merino 6

Did well for the goal by picking out Nwaneri. Still feels like he is finding his feet, though, and can be too slow in possession.

Ethan Nwaneri 7

Started for the second game in a row and put Arsenal ahead with a well-taken finish. Hooked at half-time, possibly because of a booking he picked up just before the break.

Gabriel Jesus 6

Could not continue his red-hot form in front of goal. Battled well, though, and tried to give Arsenal an outlet.

Leandro Trossard 5

A pretty quiet game back at his old club. Didn’t really get into the game much and was outshone by Nwaneri.

Substitutions

Gabriel Martinelli (Nwaneri 45’) 6

On at half-time. Gave Partey some defensive cover but lacked a threat going forward.

Martin Odegaard (Jorginho 64’) 6

Could only make the bench after struggling with illness and could not change the game when brought on.

Subs not used: Neto, Tierney, Kiwior, Zinchenko, Lewis-Skelly, Kabia, Butler-Oyedeji