How the Seagulls rated against Arsenal at the Amex Stadium
For the very brief moments the game was allowed to flow Brighton were the better team but that was not enough to get the win.
Arsenal took the lead then took EVERY opportunity to disrupt and stop the game. It's one way to do it I guess, but hugely frustrating for fans and neutrals.
Brighton went a goal behind on nine minutes as Bukayo Saka's left footed effort deflected off Carlos Baleba and deceived Bart Verbruggen. A tough blow for Albion who battled back and were unfortunate when Ferdi full back Kadioglu inadvertently blocked his own teamamte Georginio'a goalbound effort.
Albion pushed after the break, Yankuba Minteh impressed from the bench, and Georginio forced a save from David Raya on the hour, but this Arsenal machine grinds on.
Here's how the Albion players rated...
Bart Verbruggen 6
Deceived by the deflection of Baleba for the opening goal from Saka. Had little else to do
Mats Wieffer 6
Looked more comfortable today than he did against Forest biut missed possibly Brighton's best chance with a weak header from six yards. Should have scored but in defence little pace on the cross.
Jan Paul van Hecke 7
You can always rely on the Dutchman to perform in these type of matches. He kept Gyökeres at bay and then Havertz.
Olivier Boscagli 7
The Frenchman does not play much much but always looks good when he does. A class act and would be great to see more of him. Did well against Eze and Gyökeres
Ferdi Kadioglu 7
Enjoyed everything about Kadioglu this season. Had his hands full against the excellent Saka. But stuck to his task and bombed forward when he could
Pascal Gross 6
Experienced campaigners Milner, Welbeck and Dunk were all rested or injured today but not Gross. He's played almost every minute since his return. Offers stability alongside the sometimes erratic Baleba.
Carlos Baleba 6
Unfortunately deflected Saka's effort beyond Verbruggen but a very good game for Baleba. Looked powerful and kept his passing simple. One sticky moment when he gave the ball away to Havertz but he recovered well. Replaced by Ayari with 15 to go.
Diego Gomez - 6
Pressed, worked then pressed and worked some more. Didn't have the attacking impact of recent games but easy to see why Hurzeler loves him. Replaced by Howell on 75.
Jack Hinshelwood - 7
Played in an advanced midfield role and did well to find pockets of space in a packed Arsenal midfield. His best position. Replaced by Welbeck with 20 to go
Kaoru Mitoma - 6
Gave the ball away high up the pitch as Brighton conceded the opener. Another fairly quiet game for Mitoma and was replaced at halftime by Minteh. Possible ankle injury.
Georginio - 6
A very intense match to return to and the £40m is still a little below his best this season. Forced a decent save from Raya on the hour. His best moment.
Substitutes
Yankuba Minteh - 8: Electric after his halftime introduction. Played with a real point to prove after being on the sidelines for a few matches.
Danny Welbeck - 6: Played the final 20 minutes but had little impact on the game. Joel Veltman - 6: The experienced defender replaced Wieffer on 77. Harry Howell - 6: More minutes for the teenager as he replaced Gomez on 77. Yasin Ayari - 6: The Sweden international had 15 minutes as he returned from a shoulder injury.
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