Mid Sussex Times

Player ratings

-

Was unlucky not to keep a clean sheet, making a fantastic diving save to keep out a Martin Odegaard free kick just moments before the Arsenal player looped the ball over him.

Marc Cucurella - 7

In the thick of the action all game, doing nothing to endear himself to the Arsenal support. Showed a fighting spirit throughout the game, and boundless energy to cover the left flank.

His best moment came when flicking away a cross to prevent Alexandre Lacazette from a free header at the back post.

Lewis Dunk - 8

Controlled the Brighton defence, dealing with Lacazette comfortabl­y all game, and threw himself in front of everything. Made a great block lunging in front of Smith Rowe who struck from just yards out to prevent Arsenal taking the lead. Hit a pin-point diagonal ball to Mwepu, which set up the Brighton opener.

Joel Veltman - 8

Like Dunk, threw himself in front of everything Arsenal had to offer, making two standout blocks, one to prevent a dangerous cross from Xhaka, the second inside the area, preventing a goal bound Saka effort.

Enock Mwepu - 10

Brighton’s best player. Showed great vision to find Trossard on the edge of the area who fired home Brighton’s opener. Then added to the goal tally with a fantastic volley, controllin­g the ball with his side-foot to guide into the bottom corner. Busy in midfield, and was the energy Brighton have been missing in recent weeks.

Pascal Gross - 6

Not his best game, but played his part in helping Brighton to survive the immense pressure put on them.

Was good cover in front of the defence, crucially dispossess­ing Lacazette in the first half who had turned Dunk, with the scores still level. Partnered Mwepu well and was combative in midfield for the Seagulls.

Alexis Mac Allister - 7

Moved the ball nicely and was a positive force in transition­s for the visitors. Didn’t see a lot of the ball, but showed good feet, and some nice flicks to move Brighton into dangerous areas.

Leandro Trossard - 8

Opened the scoring with a fantastic finish, arriving just inside the area to fire the ball into the top corner. Showed threat all game, but crucially for the Seagulls showed a willingnes­s to help out defensivel­y, a lovely piece of skill under pressure, backheelin­g the ball through Odegards legs to relieve the Arsenal pressure was neat defensive work.

Danny Welbeck - 5

A lack of service for the Brighton striker hindered his performanc­e. While he typically worked hard up front for the team, he didn’t manage to get himself into a goalscorin­g opportunit­y, and lacked threat.

Adam Lallana - 6

Helped in midfield in a frantic finish to the game, showing good energy in closing down Arsenal and making it as difficult as possible to create an equaliser.

Tariq Lamptey - 6

Showed his usual energy, and aided the Brighton right flank in dealing with Arsenal throwing everything at them in the closing minutes.

Adam Webster - 6

Added an extra body in the defensive line for Graham Potter’s team, and did well in seeing out the game under immense pressure.

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from United Kingdom