Arsenal returned to the top of the Premier League with a 2-1 win over Brighton, with Martin Odegaard scoring the opener and then scoring an own goal.
Arsenal regained top spot in the Premier League with a narrow home win against Brighton. The Gunners took all three points despite missing several players, including Riccardo Calafioli, who was ruled out before kick-off.
Martin Odegaard took the lead with a low shot from Bukayo Saka that beat Bad Verbruggen. The second goal came just after half-time, when Georginio Rutter headed in Declan Rice’s corner corner for an own goal.
Brighton found their way back into the game with a rebound from Diego Gomez’s shot that hit the post. David Raya then made a crucial save to deflect Yankuba Minte’s shot just over the bar to preserve the victory.
Here’s how our sister title Football London rated the Arsenal players.
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David Raya 7 – A bad throw early gave the ball back to Brighton, but the Gunners defended their chance well. He made a great save to deny Minte’s brilliant curling shot and the ball went over the bar.
Declan Rice 8 – Filling in at right-back in Julian Timber’s absence, he made the same driving runs he usually makes in midfield. He played his role admirably, winning the duel and advancing play, resulting in a corner kick that Rutter headed home.
William Saliba 7 – Solid last man tackle on Rutter at the start of the second half to deny Brighton a good chance.
Piero Hincapie 7 – Made a big contribution to the opening goal with a tackle in midfield. It was Merino who gave his all as the Ecuadorian players looked on, and although he looked a little lost when Gomez scored, he played a solid game overall.
Miles Lewis-Skelly 5 – He replaced Calafioli, who was injured during warm-ups, and looked shaky in the early exchanges. He was substituted around the 70th minute, just after Brighton had scored.
Martin Zvimendi 8 – A backheel flick forced Verbruggen to make a good save, but he was unlucky not to score. He once again showed his strength defensively, making some great interceptions in the midfield.
Mikel Merino 7 – Worked quietly and efficiently. Found a great pass into the box, but it deserved a better finish in the second half.
Martin Odegaard 9 – After seeing a quick ball to Saka lead to a good chance that went wide, the captain showed how it’s done by whipping a shot inside the right post from a Saka set-up. It was his best game of the season and he could, and perhaps should, have had some assists to his name with the chances he created for Saka.
Bukayo Saka 7 – The winger had an early chance, getting behind De Kuiper and firing straight at Verbruggen. He found Odegaard with plenty of space outside the box to give the Gunners the lead. They had several chances in the second half, but their path to goal continued to be blocked. Having a one-on-one chance late on but not converting it summed up that aspect of his game today.
Victor Gokeres 5 – Had a great chance in the first minutes, but couldn’t really test Verbruggen with the volley. Another chance came at the back post, but the Swede was unable to connect with the ball and the ball bounced out of play. There was another chance to score in the second half, but the shot hit Verbruggen. Again, a tricky performance for a summer signing.
Leandro Trossard 6 – His technical ability was on display against his former team, who were in the ascendancy and showed great touch on the ball. However, his form deteriorated in the second half and it was no surprise that he was substituted before the end of the game.
Substitute.
Gabriel Magalhães 6 – Returned to action for the first time since the November international break. It was a very welcome return and helped see out victory following Brighton’s goal which made the team a bit nervous.
Gabriel Jesus 6 – Get right into the action, win duels high up the field, and drop if necessary. I saw a shot blocked in the box from a bouncing ball. He almost scored, but was pushed back at the decisive moment.
Gabriel Martinelli 6 – Late replacement for Leandro Trossard. He showed the speed to get behind the ball, but couldn’t find his teammate with cross chances. A big chance was missed after Saka put the Brazilian at bat.
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