Arsenal player ratings vs Brighton: Declan Rice extraordinary in new role as David Raya steps up | OneFootball

Gunners make hard work of victory at Emirates Stadium despite impressive showings from several individuals

Arsenal came through another nervy test to beat Brighton 2-1 and move back to the top of the Premier League.

Martin Odegaard gave the hosts a deserved first-half and it looked like being more comfortable when Georgino Rutter then headed into his own net.

Despite some very edgy defending, Arsenal held on.

Matt Verri was at the Emirates Stadium to rate the Arsenal players...

David Raya 7

Arsenal’s workhorse put in an extraordinary shift. Filled in at right-back and covered so much ground. Thundered into one first-half challenge and his corner forced Rutter’s own goal.

William Saliba 6

Nothing to do defensively in the first half. Could have been more assured when bringing the ball out of defence at times. Did well to stop one Minteh break ins econd half.

Piero Hincapie 7

Assured display. Good pressure led to opening goal and he read the play well. Not quite as confident when shifting to left-back but encouragingly calm overall.

Myles Lewis-Skelly 6

Late addition into starting lineup. Didn’t have much joy inverting but was solid enough defensively. Nice ball down the line led to Gyokeres getting Verbruggen booked after goalkeeper charged out.

Martin Zubimendi 6

Unlucky not to score with clever flicked effort. Otherwise had little influence on the game. Arsenal need him to bring the control when under the pump.

Mikel Merino 6

Found some nice pockets in midfield and kept things ticking over, but only Gyokeres had fewer touches of Arsenal’s starters. Not hugely convincing in midfield.

Martin Odegaard 8

Creative masterclass in his best performance of the season. Drilled a brilliant low finish in for opener and combined superbly with Saka. Constant threat, creating five chances.

On the scoresheet: Martin Odegaard

AFP via Getty Images

Bukayo Saka 8

Electric. Ran De Cuyper ragged and had five shots in the first half alone. Put wasted chance on a plate for Martinelli late on, unable to score when then clean through himself. Could have had a couple of goals and assists.

Viktor Gyokeres 5

Frustrating yet again. Made a mess of two first-half touches and too often in the wrong place in the box, not anticipating balls across the face. Worked hard but much more needed.

Leandro Trossard 7

Fun to watch, playing like he had a point to prove against his former club. Clever balls in behind kept Gyokeres interested and got into dangerous positions at the back post.

Substitutes:

Gabriel (Lewis-Skelly 71’) 6

Fired first pass straight out on his return but otherwise slotted back in well. Brings such a presence in both boxes.

Gabriel Jesus (Gyokeres 71’) 7

Yet another eye-catching cameo. Held the ball up well and Arsenal again looked more fluid with him up front.

Gabriel Martinelli (Trossard 82’) 5

Blazed over when picked out in the six yard box late on. Direct with his running, but that moment should have put match to bed.