Arsenal player ratings vs Brighton: Poor 5/10s have Odegaard and Rice to thank | Football | Sport

Arsenal returned to the top of the Premier League table following a 2-1 victory at home to Brighton. Despite several absences, including Riccardo Calafiori and Jurrien Timber, the Gunners prevailed. Arsenal broke the deadlock after squandering a few early opportunities, with Bukayo Saka setting up Martin Odegaard on the edge of the box to fire low past Verbruggen.

The second goal arrived shortly after half-time, courtesy of another own goal, as Georginio Rutter headed Declan Rice’s corner into his own net. Diego Gomez reignited the Seagulls’ hopes by capitalising on a rebound from a shot that hit the post. David Raya thwarted what seemed like a certain goal, nudging Yankuba Minteh’s shot just over the bar. Here is how Express Sport rated the hosts…

David Raya – An early poor throw handed possession back to Brighton, but the Gunners defended the ensuing opportunity well. He made an outstanding save to prevent Minteh from scoring a superb curling shot, tipping the ball over the crossbar. 7.

Declan Rice – Filling in at right-back due to Timber’s absence, he replicated his usual midfield driving runs in the right-back position. He executed the role brilliantly, winning duels and advancing play, and it was his corner that Georginio Rutter headed into his own net. 8.

William Saliba – Delivered a solid last-man tackle on Rutter at the start of the second half, thwarting a significant Brighton opportunity. He was reunited with his regular defensive partner in the second half and will undoubtedly welcome the Brazilian’s return. 7.

Piero Hincapie – Executed a superb tackle in midfield to regain possession before the goal. Seemed somewhat adrift during the Gomez goal as it was Merino who put everything on the line while the Ecuadorian looked on, but overall he had a steady game. 7.

Myles Lewis-Skelly – Appeared slightly unsteady in the initial stages as he stepped in for the injured Calafiori, who was hurt during the warm-up. Substituted around the 70th minute shortly after Brighton’s goal breached the Gunners’ left flank, a challenging outing for him due to an unexpected inclusion. 5.

Martin Zubimendi – Unfortunate not to score after a backheel flick forced Verbruggen into a good save. Once again strong in his defensive duties and made some excellent interceptions in midfield. 8.

Mikel Merino – I feel like I need to dedicate a match just to observing what Mikel Merino does when playing in midfield. I notice these powerful passes occasionally, but he carries out his work quietly. Found a fantastic pass into the box that deserved a better outcome in the second half. 7.

Martin Odegaard – After an early pass to Saka led to a promising opportunity that failed to find the net, the captain demonstrated his prowess by smashing a shot inside the right post, thanks to a setup from Saka. This was undoubtedly his best performance of the season and he could, and perhaps should, have had some assists to his name given the opportunities he created for Saka. 9.

Bukayo Saka – An early opportunity for the winger saw him get past De Cuyper and fire a shot directly at Verbruggen. He found Odegaard in ample space outside the box to put the Gunners ahead.

He had a few more chances in the second half, but found his route to goal consistently blocked. Had a late one-on-one opportunity but couldn’t convert, which summed up that aspect of his game today. 7.

Viktor Gyokeres – Had a fantastic opportunity within the first few minutes but failed to truly challenge Verbruggen with the volley. Another chance came at the back post, but the Swede failed to connect properly with the ball, and it bounced out of play.

Had an opportunity to score in the second half, but his shot went straight at Verbruggen. Overall, a challenging performance for the summer signing. 5.

Leandro Trossard – Showed some lovely touches of the ball as his technical skill was on display against his former team with a bit of flair. However, he faded in the second half, and it was no surprise to see him substituted before the match ended. 6.

Substitutes

Gabriel Magalhaes – Back in action for the first time since the November international break. His return was much appreciated and he helped secure the victory after Brighton’s goal, which had made the team somewhat anxious. 6.

Gabriel Jesus – Immediately involved in the game, winning duels high up the pitch and dropping back when needed. Had a shot blocked in the box from a bouncing ball.

Nearly scored but was pushed in the back at the crucial moment. 6.

Gabriel Martinelli – Brought on late to replace Leandro Trossard. Demonstrated his pace to get behind the defence but his cross failed to find a teammate.

Missed a significant opportunity after Saka set it up perfectly for the Brazilian. However, he did deliver an excellent cross into the box and Jesus appeared to be fouled. 6.