Full Time: Arsenal 2-0 Brighton & Hove Albion
Arsenal extended their winning run to four games in all competitions, when they defeated newly-promoted Brighton & Hove Albion 2-0 at the Emirates, earlier in the day.
Nacho Monreal opened the scoring for the Gunners, striking home from close range in the 16th minute, after a goal-mouth scramble. Eleven minutes into the second period, Alex Iwobi doubled Arsenal’s advantage after a brilliant piece of skill from Alexis Sanchez set him through on goal.
The win takes Arsenal to 13 points, level with Chelsea and just 1 less than rivals Tottenham. Arsene Wenger will be pleased with what his side put on show against the Seagulls.
Here’s how the Gunners’ stars fared on the day:
Arsenal Player Ratings
Petr Cech – 6/10
Had nothing to do in goal, apart from coming out to collect a couple of crosses and corners, which he did comfortably.
Rob Holding – 6/10
Having put in some nervy displays early in the season, the youngster had a much-improved game and was helped by Brighton’s lack of urgency.
Shkodran Mustafi – 6/10
Wasn’t given a whole lot to do in the heart of the defence. One nervy moment late on, where he headed just past his own goal.
Nacho Monreal – 8/10
Kept his wits to slot home the opener after a melee ensued in the box. It was his first league goal in over four years. Was solid defensively.
Hector Bellerin – 7/10
The Spaniard looked threatening each time he got forward. But the end product wasn’t always up to the mark.
Aaron Ramsey – 6/10
Had an effort brilliantly saved by Matthew Ryan. Worked hard but his use of possession left a lot to be desired on a number of occasions.
Granit Xhaka – 6/10
Kept things ticking for the Gunners in the middle of the park, without really standing out. His set-piece resulted in Monreal’s goal.
Sead Kolasinac – 7/10
Did not get as much forward as we have seen him do recently, but it was another strong, no-nonsense display from the Bosnian. Had a headed effort cleared off the line in the second period.
Alex Iwobi – 7/10
Forced a save from Matthew Ryan early in the game. Took his goal well to make it 2-0, to score his first goal of the season.
Alexis Sanchez – 8/10
Was involved in everything positive for Arsenal. Brilliant backheel to find Iwobi for the second goal, then had a shot cleared off the line.
Alexandre Lacazette – 6.5/10
Struck the post just two minutes into the game. Worked hard and tried to bring his teammates into play, but couldn’t score. First home game without scoring.
Substitutes
Olivier Giroud – 6/10
Replaced Lacazette for the final twenty minutes. Should have added a third in stoppage time.
Theo Walcott – 5/10
Came on for Iwobi in the 71st minute. Little impact.
Mohamed Elneny – N/A
On for Xhaka with less than 10 minutes left.
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