Arsenal ratings: Xhaka tries to get Gunners going but Ben White has torrid time as Mitoma tears him apart
ARSENAL looked far from title challengers as they suffered just their second home defeat of the season to Brighton.
The Gunners had given their title push a lifeline with a fighting win at Newcastle last week, but a week on they looked fatigued and lacked ideas.
Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka tried in vain to make things happen as Roberto De Zerbi’s side dominated possession throughout.
Jorginho, picked for his range of passing and composure in possession, was anonymous and offered little by way of protection for the back four.
While former Seagull Ben White had a torrid afternoon up against speedy winger Kaoru Mitoma.
The right-back was found wanting for Brighton’s goal, as was Jakub Kiwior – but Mikel Arteta’s side did not offer much in response going forward.
Leandro Trossard, signed from Brighton in January, came closest to scoring after replacing Gabriel Martinelli early on but Jason Steele had a surprisingly quiet afternoon between the sticks.
Here is how SunSport’s Kealan Hughes rated the Gunners’ performance on a disappointing day in North London.
Aaron Ramsdale – 5
One smart stop to keep out Julio Encisco early on and could do nothing about his goal.
He was lobbed for the second and poorly palmed away Deniz Undav’s strike to Pervis Estupinan, who made no mistake as he added Brighton’s third.
Ben White – 3
Beaten far too easily by Mitoma who set up a chance that Encisco should have buried.
He did not learn his lesson as he was caught out by a long ball and Mitoma fed Estupinan who crossed for Encisco to score.
Jakub Kiwior – 4
Was bullied by Evan Ferguson at times and failed to help White deal with Mitoma.
Went down injured and lost Enciso for the goal – a strange bit of defending.
Gabriel – 6
A little awkward with the ball but the best of Arsenal’s defenders today.
Kieran Tierney – 5
Anonymous first half. Poor header to clear Estupinan’s cross, which allowed the left-back to try again and set-up the opener.
Jorginho – 3
Struggled to impose himself on the ball and give Arsenal a foothold in a match where they struggled to retain possession.
Was hooked on the hour mark with Mikel Arteta opting for Thomas Partey to provide more intensity.
Granit Xhaka – 6
Should have done better with a first-half header from a Trossard free-kick which he put wide.
He got Arsenal going and played an invaluable role in breaking up Brighton’s passing play.
Martin Odegaard – 5
Came very close to scoring another long-range effort similar to his daisy-cutter at St James’ Park.
Was man-marked throughout by Levi Colwill and that nullified his influence on the game.
Bukayo Saka – 6
Lively start and caused Pervis Estupinan problems by cutting in on his left foot.
Had a brilliant chance to open the scoring in added time at the end of the first half but fired his shot wide.
Faded as the match wore on – fatigue appears to have set in after a long season.
Gabriel Martinelli – 5
Only lasted 19 minutes but had an eventful spell. He was lucky to avoid a red card for an elbow on Kaoru Mitoma before going down injured under a tackle by Moises Caicedo.
Gabriel Jesus – 5
Some useful link-up play but found space hard to come by with Lewis Dunk and Colwill keeping a close eye on him. Had a first-half shot saved.
Otherwise ineffectual as he has been in recent weeks.
Subs
Leandro Trossard (for Martinelli, 19mins) – 5
Very unlucky not to score shortly after coming on – he tiptoed into the box before striking the top of the bar.
Should have done better when he fired straight at Steele and he gave away the ball in the lead up to Brighton’s second goal.
Reiss Nelson (for Xhaka, 60 mins) – 6
Injected some energy into the Gunners and fizzed a shot narrowly wide moments after coming on.
Thomas Partey (for Jorginho, 60 mins) – 6
Stopped Brighton’s fluidity in midfield – a good change by Arteta when Arsenal were crying out for a foothold in the game.
Eddie Nketiah (for Jesus, 77mins) – 6
Also looked lively after coming on and linked up well with Nelson. Should have been brought on earlier.
Emile Smith Rowe (for Odegaard, 77 mins) – 5
Did not have much of an impact as he is still not match fit.