Arsenal surrendered a first-half lead to lose further ground against Liverpool in the Premier League title race by drawing 1-1 at Brighton and Hove Albion on Saturday. The Gunners' teenage sensation Ethan Nwaneri opened the scoring before Joao Pedro won and converted an equalising penalty for the hosts.
Arteta's side now trail the Premier League leaders by five points, having played two more games in what is quickly becoming a one-horse race at the summit.
Express Sport runs through the Arsenal player ratings from Saturday's disappointing trip to Brighton, whose winless streak extends to eight matches.
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Arsenal player ratings vs Brighton
David Raya: 6
Just two clean sheets in six Premier League games. Sent the wrong way from the penalty spot by Joao Pedro.
Thomas Partey: 4
May have breathed a sigh of relief upon noticing Yankuba Minteh and Kaoru Mitoma surprisingly among the Brighton substitutes. You could still tell he definitely wasn't a right-back.
William Saliba: 5
Conceded the Brighton penalty when his mistimed headed clearance resulted in an accidental headbutt on Joao Pedro. Arsenal didn't feel as secure as usual after that moment.
Gabriel Magalhaes: 6
Unlike his partner, no costly mistakes to report. Kept things ticking from the back with a high pass accuracy.
Arsenal's best defender, winning the vast majority of his duels and showing that he can beat his man with the ball at his feet.
Jorginho: 6
Captain. Lasted 64 minutes. Won five of his seven ground duels but he's no Martin Odegaard.
Declan Rice: 7
Created a handful of chances as and after Odegaard was watching from the bench. Impressive defensive recovery. The visitors' best player.
Mikel Merino: 6
Provided the assist for Nwaneri's opener but an otherwise fairly quiet performance in midfield. Booked late on for swiping Georginio Rutter's legs on the counter.
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Ethan Nwaneri: 7
What a talent. The first Arsenal player to score more than one Premier League goal before his 18th birthday. But booked for time wasting and withdrawn at half-time.
Also attempted to replicate Bukayo Saka's set-piece delivery from the right but failed to beat the first man on more than one occasion. A problem for Arteta to address.
Leandro Trossard: 5
Seldom looked likely to contribute a goal or an assist against his former club. Still feels like he's more suited to an impact role off the bench.
Gabriel Jesus: 3
Missed two big chances and lost 11 of his 15 duels. He can't play Crystal Palace every week.
Substitutes
Gabriel Martinelli: 4
Didn't offer the attacking sting that Arteta needed when bringing him on at half-time.
Martin Odegaard: 5
Couldn't get the creative cogs moving off the bench.
