Arsenal dominated both halves and defeated Brighton & Hove Albion to book their place in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals. Goals from Ethan Nwaneri and Bukayo Saka ensured a much-changed Gunners progress to the last eight. Brighton squandered several early chances to take the lead and Kepa Arrizabalaga made a big save to equalize.
The hosts were unable to get a shot on target in the opening 45 minutes and were firmly on the back foot until the interval. Brighton continued to look to take the lead, but just before the end Nwaneri fired a sweet shot into the bottom corner. At that point, the tide turned and it wasn’t long before Saka curled into the far corner to double Arsenal’s lead and secure victory.
Express Sport rates Arsenal’s players after tonight’s game and plans…
Arsenal vs Brighton player ratings
Kepa Arrizabalaga – 8
They were bombarded in the first half, but withstood everything thrown at them. Strong display between sticks.
Ben White – 8
He showed a good game, running up and down the right side and using the width of his passes to launch attacks.
Clown Hincapie – 7
There were times when he seemed a little clumsy in responding to high balls, but other than that he played his defensive role well enough.
Cristian Mosquera – 8
He brought composure at the back and remained strong under pressure with goal-saving tackles. solid.
Miles Lewis-Skelly – 6
He struggled against the threat of Ferdi Kadioglu, but managed to assist Nwaneri’s goal.
Mikel Merino – 6
We got off to a slow start, but got better in the second half. The rigidity of the engine compartment could have been further increased.
Christian Norgaard – 5
In the first half, Brighton looked a little lost as they repeatedly broke through the middle. It wasn’t his best performance.
Ethan Nwaneri – 7
He overtook him in the match and finally took the lead with a pinpoint shot into the bottom corner of the goal.
Eberechi Eze – 7
As Arsenal’s only non-teenage forward he worked hard to make things happen. He created many chances from wide positions.
Max Dauman – 7
He embraced the opportunity and showed confidence every time he stepped on the ball. He posed a threat with his clever attacking movements.
Andre Harriman Annus – 6
He was largely silenced by Brighton’s defenders, but was involved in the build-up to the second goal.
substitute
Gabriel Magalhaes – 7
After joining the club, he immediately posed a threat from set pieces.
Julian Timber – 7
He made a big contribution to creating the second goal with a driving run and a great pass into the box.
Bukayozaka – 8
A calm finish leaves no doubt about the result in the far corner.
Declan Rice – 6
Things continued to progress well in the middle of the park in the final stages.
Leandro Trossard – n/a
He was added to the team in the final stages of the match against his old club. It hit the post in added time.
