Fantastic Monreal – The Best And The Worst Rated Arsenal Players In The Win vs Brighton

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.