Arsenal stuttered against Brighton and were good enough to only earn a point from the game courtesy of the home side’s wastefulness.
Arsenal failed to build on the momentum of their win from last weekend as they could only earn a single point out of the Amex Stadium. Despite starting brightly, with Bukayo Saka testing the keeper early on, Brighton took control of the game and started building in the attack.
Brighton managed 21 shots in the match, but only two late attempts were on target. The home side were wasteful despite getting themselves into good positions while keeping the Arsenal backline on their toes for much of the game. Arsenal did have few chances of their own, but the one that fell to Emile Smith Rowe will be rued on by Arteta, as it represented a rare opportunity to go ahead in the game.
The attacking midfielder could only smother a shot straight at Robert Sanchez. Overall, the Gunners could not find their rhythm throughout the game as Brighton tested the backline every time they got on the ball.
Arteta will be disappointed that his team could not carry the momentum from the North London Derby victory. Arsenal go into the international break in ninth place, knowing that Brentford, Crystal Palace, Leicester and Tottenham could all go above them if they win on Sunday. Here’s how Arsenal players fared during their stalemate against Brighton.
Arsenal have scored just one goal in their four away games in the Premier League this season.
That was Martin Ødegaard’s free-kick against Burnley. ? pic.twitter.com/WEbASryfrV
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) October 2, 2021
Aaron Ramsdale: 6/10
Brighton might have been extremely busy around the Arsenal box, but they barely tested Ramsdale despite mustering 21 shots during the match. Only two were directed towards the goal, and the English goalkeeper was strong to it. A late save to prevent Neal Maupay from tapping in must go down as the moment of this match.
Takehiro Tomiyasu: 5/10
The first real test on a wet evening, and Tomiyasu thoroughly struggled to get to grips against Marc Cucurella on the left flank. The Brighton wing-back got the better of the Japanese full-back as the Seagulls chose his side to attack Arsenal more. Fortunately, the backline kept a clean sheet on the evening.
Ben White: 7/10
Ben White was kept busy all through the evening by his former teammates, as he somewhat struggled at times to cope with the wet weather. However, he stood tall towards most challenges posed by their attackers. Made several grounded and headed clearances, but his distribution was way off the mark.
Gabriel Magalhaes: 7/10
Gabriel was hardly flustered when Brighton were piling in players in the final third, standing tall against any threat. Made some big headers and clearances to keep the game level.
Kieran Tierney: 5.5/10
Brighton equally targetted Tierney’s wing for their attacks and found joy getting forward as the full-back was often caught in space. The Scot made decent contributions in attack, but he was seen running behind to protect the backline for most parts.
Albert Sambi Lokonga: 5/10
Having replaced Xhaka, Lokonga could not execute what the Swiss midfielder usually does when Tierney marauds forward. The Belgian could not get into his element as he found this newfound role rather confusing at times. Better in the second half than first, but Arteta will have to coach him better to replace the Switzerland captain in midfield.
Thomas Partey: 5/10
Apart from wasteful, space-bound shots at goal, Partey could not wield his influence on the side. Brighton’s press was difficult to handle for the Ghanaian, who found it hard to progress the ball forward and make a telling contribution for his attackers.
Martin Odegaard: 4.5/10
A mere shadow of the player who graced the pitch at the Emirates against Tottenham. Odegaard found it the hard way against Brighton, where he is usually reliable touch went missing. Arteta was correct to hook him off in the second half.
Bukayo Saka: 6/10
Saka always made something happen with the ball at his feet. He started the game off with a buzzing run into the box and struck it straight at Sanchez. Limped off late in the game, which should be a worry for Arteta and supporters.
Emile Smith Rowe: 6.5/10
Such an energetic performer Arsenal have in their side. He was constantly driving the team to create something when chances came at a premium. The season looks promising for the 21-year-old, who does not seem affected by the form of his teammates.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang: 5/10
A contrasting display from last weekend, as Aubameyang seemingly left his leadership qualities at the Emirates. His positional discipline and technical quality in the attack were short, evident in his lacklustre display. Fans and Arteta would be hoping it was a one-off and not a regular occurrence this season.
Alex Lacazette completed the same number of passes as Pierre Emerick Aubameyang – 6
— Orbinho (@Orbinho) October 2, 2021
SUBSTITUTES
Nicolas Pepe: 5/10
Arteta replaced Odegaard with Pepe, hoping the Ivorian to break the deadlock. The winger came nowhere close to creating anything meaningful, let alone scoring a goal.
Alexandre Lacazette: 5/10
Lacazette came on for Aubameyang with 20 minutes to play and got into the act of dropping deep to help progress the ball forward. While there was a positive look to Arsenal since his introduction, the Frenchman could not turn things around. Despite the recent lack of games, he does look fresh and sharp.
Ainsley Maitland-Niles: N/A
Arteta replaced the injured Bukayo Saka with the versatile midfielder, but it was too late in the game and not enough time to give Maitland-Niles a rating.
