Brighton 1-1 Arsenal: Player Ratings as Ethan Nwaneri's goal is the silver lining on a dark cloud for the Gunners | Premier League 2024-25

Arsenal were held to a frustrating 1-1 draw by Brighton & Hove Albion at their American Express Stadium in the Premier League on Saturday, January 4. The result sees the Gunners lose ground on leaders Liverpool, whom they trail by five points having played two games more. As for the Seagulls, they remain in 10th place with 28 points from 20 games.

Arsenal players celebrate their goal. - Source: Getty

Arsenal made a strong start to the contest as they looked to take the game to Brighton in the early exchanges. Most of their attacking threat came from the familiar right flank, but this time from teenager Ethan Nwaneri, who made an electric start to the game. He scored with a tidy finish to put the Gunners a goal up in the 16th minute as they were rewarded for decisive play.

Mikel Merino bagged the assist for that goal as Arsenal looked to mount further pressure on Brighton in the first half. They had just one other attempt on target from five total shots in the first period, but failed to test Bart Verbruggen in the hosts' net. The Seagulls, on the other hand, attempted just one shot on target as David Raya had little to do in goal.

Arsenal carried a narrow 1-0 lead over Brighton as the two teams headed in for the half-time interval.

Ethan Nwaneri looked to dribbled past Pervis Estupinan - Source: Getty

Having been put through a tough first half, Brighton came out for the second period looking stronger and more compact. They kept the ball with confidence and looked to put early pressure on Arsenal as they searched for a way back into the match. The hosts were awarded a fortunate penalty on the hour-mark as William Saliba headbutted Joao Pedro while attempting a clearance.

The Brazilian forward stepped up and made no mistake from the spot as he leveled things up for Brighton in the 61st minute. However, both teams faltered in their attacking endeavours thereon and were unable to create decent chances late in the match. Knowing they needed to win desperately, Arsenal were on the front foot more but also excercised caution to avoid being exposed on the counter.

This back and forth between two well-drilled teams ended in a 1-1 draw, with hosts Brighton likelier the happier among the two teams. On that note, let's take a look at the Gunners' player ratings.

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Arsenal Player Ratings

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David Raya - 7/10

The Arsenal custodian made three saves in a decent performance between the sticks.

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Thomas Partey - 7/10

Partey won four duels in defence, making three tackles and one interception as well. He also missed one big chance to score.

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William Saliba - 6.5/10

Saliba conceded the penalty which Brighton leveled the game from. He won three duels, making three clearances and two blocks.

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Gabriel Magalhaes - 6.5/10

Gabriel had a rather tame performance in defence for the Gunners.

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Riccardo Calafiori - 7/10

Calafiori played well on the left side of defence, winning six duels, making two interceptions and two tackles as well.

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Declan Rice - 8/10

Rice had a great game in midfield for the visitors as he passed the ball with 85% accuracy, including four key passes and three accurate crosses. He also won four duels and made one interception.

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Jorginho - 6.5/10

Jorginho passed the ball with 86% accuracy, including one key pass. He also won five duels and was subbed off in the second half.

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Mikel Merino - 7/10

Merino provided the assist for Arsenal's opening goal in the first half. He also played two key passes, won seven duels and made two clearances.

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Ethan Nwaneri - 7/10

Nwaneri scored a good goal in the first half but was also booked for time-wasting. He was subbed off during the interval.

Nwaneri spraying water on his face during a break in the game. - Source: Getty

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Gabriel Jesus - 6.5/10

Jesus attempted two shots but neither troubled Verbruggen in goal. He also played two key passes and won five duels.

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Leandro Trossard - 7/10

Trossard passed the ball with 89% accuracy, attempted three shots but failed to hit the target, and also won four duels in a mixed performance.

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Substitutes

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Gabriel Martinelli - 6.5/10

He replaced Nwaneri at half-time but failed to make an impact on the proceedings.

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Martin Odegaard - 6.5/10

He replaced Jorginho midway through the second half and failed to get up to the speed of the match.

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