Arsenal’s Premier League title ambitions took a hit as they were held to a 1-1 draw against Brighton at the Amex Stadium, despite a promising start from 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri.
The young forward, making his second consecutive league start, fired the Gunners ahead in the 16th minute. Latching onto a perfectly timed pass from Mikel Merino, Nwaneri displayed composure beyond his years to score, becoming the first Arsenal player to net multiple Premier League goals before turning 18.
However, Arsenal’s lead was short-lived. Brighton leveled the game through Joao Pedro, whose second-half strike dashed the visitors’ hopes of securing all three points.
Mikel Arteta faced selection challenges due to illness in the squad, sidelining Kai Havertz entirely and limiting both captain Martin Ødegaard and Gabriel Martinelli to substitute appearances. The Gunners now face an uphill battle in their pursuit of the league title, with every dropped point proving costly.
The score remained 1-0 to Arsenal until just after the hour mark when Brighton were awarded a controversial penalty. William Saliba was penalized for heading Joao Pedro while attempting to clear a bouncing ball in the box. The Brazilian striker calmly converted the spot-kick to draw the Seagulls level.
Despite some late chances, the game ended in a scrappy 1-1 draw. The result moves Arsenal within five points of league leaders Liverpool, though the Reds hold two games in hand.
For Arsenal, Joao Pedro continues to be a thorn in their side, having also scored in Brighton’s 1-1 draw at the Emirates Stadium earlier this season. Mikel Arteta’s side will rue the missed opportunity to close the gap at the top as they shift their focus to the challenging fixtures ahead.
AFP
Goalkeeper & Defence
David Raya (6/10):
Didn’t have much to do in terms of making saves, but swept up well when he was needed.
Thomas Partey (6/10):
Lost possession a couple of times in dangerous areas, but on the whole it was a solid display operating as the makeshift right-back.
William Saliba (7/10):
So strong and so calm under pressure, although it was his misjudged attempted header that gave away the penalty.
Gabriel Magalhaes (7/10):
Solid alongside Saliba. The centre-back pair just provide Arsenal with so much stability.
Riccardo Calafiori (6/10):
Looked more comfortable than he did against Brentford. Growing back into the team after his injury absence.
Getty Images Sport
Midfield
Jorginho (5/10):
Played a few nice passes in the first half, but looked a bit leggy as the game wore on.
Declan Rice (7/10):
Operating in the Martin Odegaard role he performed quite well. Clever link up play with Merino in the build up to the opener.
Mikel Merino (6/10):
Lovely ball to send Nwaneri away for his early goal. A player who is starting to look much more comfortable in the side.
Attack
Ethan Nwaneri (7/10):
Great finish to give Arsenal the lead early on. Took real responsibility having ran on to Merino’s pass. Saw plenty of the ball and looked lively, but was replaced at half-time after picking up a booking just before the interval.
Gabriel Jesus (5/10):
Saw one shot saved, although the flag did go up. Didn’t stop working in a game where he was starved of good chances.
Leandro Trossard (5/10):
Booed on his return to his former club. Worked hard, but got little joy down the left. Shot wildly over late on.
Subs & Manager
Gabriel Martinelli (6/10):
Couldn’t really impact things in the second half. Made a couple of nice runs behind the full-back but wasn’t picked out.
Martin Odegaard (5/10):
Didn’t look fit at all when he came on. Looked miles off it.
Mikel Arteta (6/10):
Tough job for the manager with so many players missing or suffering with illness. Will be disappointed to have seen his side surrender a lead having got themselves in front.