Arsenal dropped two points on their trip to Brighton this evening, a result that could have far-reaching consequences for the title race. Here are our player ratings:
Player Ratings
David Raya – 6.5
There was little he could do about the penalty, and Brighton’s wastefulness meant he wasn’t tested much throughout the game.
Thomas Partey – 6.0
Solid in the first half but faded as Brighton gained control. Could have done better in key moments when Arsenal needed more composure.
William Saliba – 6.5
Conceded an unfortunate penalty but was otherwise composed and dealt well with Brighton’s dangerous forwards.
Gabriel – 7.0
A strong performance, ensuring Brighton didn’t create clear-cut chances. His physical presence was key to Arsenal’s defensive efforts.
Riccardo Calafiori – 7.0
A noticeable improvement from his last game. Arsenal will hope he can continue building on this performance in 2025.
Declan Rice – 7.0
An unusual role for him, playing further forward in Odegaard’s position, but he adapted well and was effective. Arteta’s tactical choice remains questionable, though.
Jorginho – 6.5
His experience was evident, especially in the first half, where he helped Arsenal control the tempo of the game.
Mikel Merino – 7.0
A Decent showing. Provided a fine assist for Nwaneri’s goal and was generally effective in midfield.
Ethan Nwaneri – 7.5
Arsenal’s standout performer. Scored a goal and played with confidence and fearlessness, leaving fans wondering why he was substituted at halftime.
Gabriel Jesus – 5.0
Worked hard as Arsenal’s outlet but failed to deliver where it mattered most: scoring goals.
Leandro Trossard – 4.5
A disappointing display. Struggled to make an impact and left many puzzled as to why he played the full 90 minutes.
Substitutes
Gabriel Martinelli – 5.5
Did more defensive work than attacking and offered little to help Arsenal find a second goal.
Martin Odegaard – 5.5
Came on late but couldn’t influence the game. Arsenal will hope to have him fully fit for the next match.
With respect Martin, Jorginho was awful.
Yet again, absolutely baffling scores. Waste of time doing them. We watch different games. Nobody deserved more than a 6.
And Joughino and Merino were the worst players on the pitch. How could they score so high.
The marks – whether you agree or not – display a very average performance throughout. Half a mark here and there don’t amount to much
Weirdly, considering there was so much against Merino in the post match posts, I thought he was ok.
Trying to give marks to a team that were far from being a first choice set up is difficult and playing in positions not necessarily of their choice, makes it hard to be objective.
SueP, it would seem that once a person doesn’t like a player then that player can do nothing right. I thought Merino played well in the first half and showed some skillfully moments.
Me too. It just shows, HD, that we all see things differently
The schedule is punishing. I am sure that had the match on Tuesday not been a semi final, then Arteta would have prioritised the Brighton game over the Carabao Cup. It looked as though he was trying to be a juggler today.
SueP, it’s like Havertz, they don’t see what he does off the ball, dragging players out of position to create space for our players.
Well Havertz is there to score goals that his primary job and he’s average at it. Who among City, Liverpool, Chelsea would have him? Chels definitely wouldn’t take him back. I’m not trying to rag on him, but he’s overall just an above average signing. Goals win games and we need a goal scorer. Not all his fault Mikel didnt bring one in, but then we need to ask why he actually was brought in…
Its funny, he is a midfielder and we didn’t control midfield. If you think he is good enough to help us win the league, then i am baffled. I don’t. That’s what he has been bought for?
And it isn’t about “liking” a player. Its wether he is of the quality we need and influence.
He was bought to strengthen our squad. He can play in a number of positions.
People moaned about Robert Pires in his first season with us and look how he turned out.
Herr Drier,
Come on, don’t even mention Havertz name in the same sentence as Pires. Given I understand the point your making.🤦♂️🙄
Our team Arsenal cannot win any trophy for Arsenal because he is an experimental Coach
Moving Thomas Party from midfield to right wing is totally disaster because nobody to control midfield, then playing two sluggish players Calafiori and Merino cannot give Arsenal deserved Win, Arsenal should forget the premiership, even The others trophy because he is going to experiment against Newcastle and other gamrs
Trossard 4.5
Jorginho 6.5
😁
Ødegaard 5.5
Who does these ratings?
Rate the referee let’s see something.
Nwaneri was subbed because he was injured. The ref and VAR awarded Brighton a most bizarre penalty over an accidental clash of heads after tv confirmed Saliba headed the ball first. The squad had been ravaged with sickness in the run up to the game. That is why we lost!
Nonsense – Pedro headed the ball and saliba headed Pedro. It’s accidental, of course, but it’s the same as missing the ball with your foot and kicking the attacker.
This is not actually true. Saliba connected with the ball before the accidental “headbutt”. An analogous situation with the foot does not always result in an infringement being called.
Davi, an accidental foul is still a foul.
Really? I don’t think there’d be any complaints if we’d won a penalty in a reverse situation. Pedro got to the ball first and saliba made contact. It was pretty clear cut imo
Davi, I missed the deflection onto Saliba until I saw it on MOTD. It was not a penalty and VAR should have properly reviewed this before confirming the on-field decision.
It didn’t appear var gave it much of a look, but the slight incidental contact from saliba as he was heading into the striker is not significant at all. It could equally have happened with a ball on the floor. Fact is, a headbutt is dangerous play, even though it was unintentional.
It’s honestly the least controversial of the “controversial” decisions that have gone against us this season imo.
“It didn’t appear var gave it much of a look” *so I agree with you it should have received more attention*
GB,
We didn’t lose, just saying.
A high rated , world class striker (9) required . Otherwise , Arsenal.shall continie to wail
We lost.
A draw is as good as or as bad as a loss in these situations.
We lost two points to your friends.