Brighton 1-1 Arsenal: Player ratings as Gunners held by Seagulls at the Amex

Arsenal were held to a 1-1 draw at Brighton on Saturday evening as they missed out on a chance to put some serious pressure on league leaders Liverpool.

Mikel Arteta made a handful of changes ahead of the game with Declan Rice, Leandro Trossard and Jorginho coming into the side. Jurrien Timber was unavailable through suspension and Gabriel Martinelli was dropped despite scoring against Brentford.

It was a mixed opening to proceedings with both sides enjoying spells of possession but it was the Gunners who struck first. A nice piece of skill from Mikel Merino put Ethan Nwaneri away down the right side and he set himself before firing an effort on goal. Bart Verbruggen got a touch but couldn't keep it out.

The Seagulls began to put the pressure on in search of an equaliser but a few half chances didn't result in much. Gabriel Jesus went close to doubling his side's lead from a corner but he headed over the bar, meaning Arsenal held just a one goal advantage at the break.

Goalscorer Nwaneri was replaced by Martinelli at half-time in a move that surprised some fans but was likely a move to protect the youngster's fitness. Brighton also made two changes at the break, bringing on Georginio Rutter and Yankuba Minteh.

The switches worked in the hosts' favour with Fabian Hurzeler's side showing signs of improvement in the second half. Brighton were rewarded for their efforts when they were awarded a dubious penalty following a collision between William Saliba and Joao Pedro. The Brazilian calmy netted from the spot to bring the score level.

Key creator and Gunners captain Martin Odegaard was brought on in response to the goal with the hopes of inspiring some urgency in attack but he couldn't do so.

With the Norway skipper failing to make a notable impact, the Seagulls looked the more likely side to grab a winner. They did not prevail however with the two sides battling it out to share the points.

The draw sees Arsenal remain second but now sitting five points behind leaders Liverpool with two extra games played. While it was certainly a tough game for the Gunners, fans won't help but feel this was a big chance missed to keep the pressure on their title rivals.

Here are the Arsenal player ratings from their 1-1 draw at Brighton.

Brighton 1-1 Arsenal player ratings

Goalkeeper & Defenders

David Raya (GK) - 6/10 - Was called upon to deny Brighton a few times but not the busiest day for the Spaniard. Went the wrong way for Joao Pedro's penalty.

Thomas Partey (RB) - 6.5/10 - Playing out of position once again in Timber's absence and was faced with a tough battle against Kaoru Mitoma. Did well against the winger and played some nice passes but not his best showing.

William Saliba (CB) - 8/10 - Arguably Arsenal's best defender as he was calm and composed in stopping Brighton attacks, especially in the first half. Will be disappointed to have conceded a penalty through what looked like a simple clash of heads.

Gabriel Magalhaes (CB) - 6/10 - Not the best performance from the Brazilian but he did his job when required. Not the same threat he usually is from corners however.

Riccardo Calafiori (LB) - 6.5/10 - Similar to Gabriel, did what was required of him but not his greatest game. Looked to get up to help in attack in the early stages but his influence died down throughout. Was booked late in the second half.

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