Brighton 1-1 Arsenal PLAYER RATINGS: Which Gunners star was 'average' in midfield? Who was 'outhustled' at the Amex? And who alone looked like they 'wanted revenge' after the equaliser?
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Arsenal's title hopes were dealt a blow as they were forced to settle for a draw against Brighton on Saturday. With Bukayo Saka set for an extended spell on the sidelines teenage prospect Ethan Nwaneri was entrusted with just his second-ever Premier League start by Mikel Arteta.
![[Joao Pedro put Brighton back on level terms after Ethan Nwaneri fired the hosts into the lead]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/04/19/93741225-0-image-a-81_1736018073437.jpg)
The 17-year-old academy graduate quickly repaid his manager's faith by firing the Gunners into the lead after just 16 minutes. Both sides made changes at the interval but it was Brighton who would seize the initiative in the second half, with referee Anthony Taylor pointing to the spot on the hour mark after Joao Pedro clashed heads with William Saliba.
![[Seagulls 'keeper Bart Verbruggen should have done better with Arsenal's opening goal]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/04/19/93741209-0-image-a-71_1736017662068.jpg)
The Brazilian duly converted from twelve yards to put the hosts back on level terms and secure a point for Fabian Hurzeler's side. Mail Sport's ISAAN KHAN was at the Amex to give his expert analysis on both teams. Arsenal were forced to settle for a point as they were unable to hold on to their lead at the Amex.
![[Joel Veltman was solid as he consistently prevented Arsenal from making good of their momentum]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/04/19/93741213-0-image-a-72_1736017669246.jpg)
Joao Pedro put Brighton back on level terms after Ethan Nwaneri fired the hosts into the lead. BART VERBRUGGEN: 5.5. Had to do better on Nwaneri’s goal, the shot going through him. JOEL VELTMAN: 6.5. Very physical. Pestered the opposition and didn’t shy away from duels.
![[Brajan Gruda succeeded in breaking up Arsenal's midfield play on a number of occasions]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/04/19/93741215-0-image-a-74_1736017682131.jpg)
JAN PAUL VAN HECKE: 6.5. Nice passing from the back. IGOR JULIO: 6.5. Stayed in position. Benefitted from lack of Arsenal physical presence among front three. Seagulls 'keeper Bart Verbruggen should have done better with Arsenal's opening goal. Joel Veltman was solid as he consistently prevented Arsenal from making good of their momentum.
![[Joao Pedro stepped up when it mattered most to ensure Brighton walked away with a point]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/04/19/93741223-0-image-a-82_1736018082831.jpg)
