Arsenal player ratings vs Brighton: Nicolas Pepe at the double

Arsenal beat Brighton 2-0 in the Premier League on Sunday on the final day of the 2020/21 season, courtesy of two fine goals from Nicolas Pepe.

Mikel Arteta opted to make two changes from the midweek victory over Crystal Palace with Bukayo Saka and Mohamed Elneny dropping out in place of Martin Odegaard and Granit Xhaka.

With 10,000 fans in attendance the players received a wonderful warm welcome, a sight for sore eyes with the lack of supporters having taken its toll on football as a spectacle.

Those there witnessed Arsenal dominate the opening 45 minutes against the Seagulls. Graham Potter’s side were a threat on the break but the hosts had them pinned back for large spells, playing some neat football on the edge of the box.

Arsenal player ratings vs Brighton as Nicolas Pepe scores a brace and Martin Odegaard dazzles in Premier League win

A few long ranged efforts tested Robert Sanchez, Rob Holding had a goal(?) chalked off for an offside call and Gabriel hit the crossbar with a header in the dying stages, all close efforts but none overly troublesome for Sanchez.

The goal did come shortly after the break as Nicolas Pepe controlled Calum Chambers’ fizzed ball into the box before slamming through Sanchez.

Another followed with half an hour left as the excellent Martin Odegaard found the Ivorian once more, who danced into the box and slotted a delightful effort through Lewis Dunk’s legs and into the bottom corner. An almost carbon copy of his effort against Sheffield United.

It was total control from Mikel Arteta’s side from thereon in with Partey also smashing the crossbar, while results elsewhere ensured there would be no Europa Conference League and, sadly, no St. Totteringham’s Day.

Arsenal Goalkeeper & Defenders Ratings

Bernd Leno (GK) – 7/10 – Had nothing to do and that he did, he did well.

Calum Chambers (RB) – 7/10 – Supported Pepe well down the right and chipped in with a few delicious crosses, but it was his decision to play infield more which was pleasing. Odegaard picked up great positions and Chambers made sure to find him with better diversity in his distribution.

Rob Holding (CB) – 8/10 – Made and exceptional block in the first half and generally dealt with what Brighton threw at Arsenal comfortably.

Gabriel (CB) – 7/10 – His pace was vital with Arsenal looking to play in the Brighton half. Tracked back well and covered the threat of Mac Allister and Trossard well. Strong in the air as ever.

Kieran Tierney (LB) – 7/10 – A fully fit Tierney is invaluable to this team. Such intelligence every third and has the best deliveries of anyone in the side. Another all-round solid outing for the Scot.