Arsenal player ratings vs Brighton as Nicolas Pepe scores a brace and Martin Odegaard dazzles in Premier League win. (Photo by ALASTAIR GRANT/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Arsenal beat Brighton 2-0 in the Premier League on Sunday on the final day of the 2020/21 season, courtesy of two fine goals from Nicolas Pepe.
Mikel Arteta opted to make two changes from the midweek victory over Crystal Palace with Bukayo Saka and Mohamed Elneny dropping out in place of Martin Odegaard and Granit Xhaka.
With 10,000 fans in attendance the players received a wonderful warm welcome, a sight for sore eyes with the lack of supporters having taken its toll on football as a spectacle.
Those there witnessed Arsenal dominate the opening 45 minutes against the Seagulls. Graham Potter’s side were a threat on the break but the hosts had them pinned back for large spells, playing some neat football on the edge of the box.
Arsenal player ratings vs Brighton as Nicolas Pepe scores a brace and Martin Odegaard dazzles in Premier League win
A few long ranged efforts tested Robert Sanchez, Rob Holding had a goal(?) chalked off for an offside call and Gabriel hit the crossbar with a header in the dying stages, all close efforts but none overly troublesome for Sanchez.
The goal did come shortly after the break as Nicolas Pepe controlled Calum Chambers’ fizzed ball into the box before slamming through Sanchez.
Another followed with half an hour left as the excellent Martin Odegaard found the Ivorian once more, who danced into the box and slotted a delightful effort through Lewis Dunk’s legs and into the bottom corner. An almost carbon copy of his effort against Sheffield United.
It was total control from Mikel Arteta’s side from thereon in with Partey also smashing the crossbar, while results elsewhere ensured there would be no Europa Conference League and, sadly, no St. Totteringham’s Day.
LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 23: Rob Holding of Arsenal beating Leandro Trossard of Brighton & Hove Albion to the header during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Brighton & Hove Albion at Emirates Stadium. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
Arsenal Goalkeeper & Defenders Ratings
Bernd Leno (GK) – 7/10 – Had nothing to do and that he did, he did well.
Calum Chambers (RB) – 7/10 – Supported Pepe well down the right and chipped in with a few delicious crosses, but it was his decision to play infield more which was pleasing. Odegaard picked up great positions and Chambers made sure to find him with better diversity in his distribution.
Rob Holding (CB) – 8/10 – Made and exceptional block in the first half and generally dealt with what Brighton threw at Arsenal comfortably.
Gabriel (CB) – 7/10 – His pace was vital with Arsenal looking to play in the Brighton half. Tracked back well and covered the threat of Mac Allister and Trossard well. Strong in the air as ever.
Kieran Tierney (LB) – 7/10 – A fully fit Tierney is invaluable to this team. Such intelligence every third and has the best deliveries of anyone in the side. Another all-round solid outing for the Scot.
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<p>— Arsenal (@Arsenal) <a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2021/05/23/arsenal-player-ratings-vs-brighton-2/"https://twitter.com/Arsenal/status/1396502553366573067?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%22>May 23, 2021</a></p></blockquote>
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<h2 style="color: #333333">Arsenal player ratings vs Brighton as Nicolas Pepe scores a brace and Martin Odegaard dazzles in Premier League win</h2>
<p>A few long ranged efforts tested Robert Sanchez, Rob Holding had a goal(?) chalked off for an offside call and Gabriel hit the crossbar with a header in the dying stages, all close efforts but none overly troublesome for Sanchez.</p>
<p>The goal did come shortly after the break as Nicolas Pepe controlled Calum Chambers’ fizzed ball into the box before slamming through Sanchez.</p>
<p>Another followed with half an hour left as the excellent Martin Odegaard found the Ivorian once more, who danced into the box and slotted a delightful effort through Lewis Dunk’s legs and into the bottom corner. An almost carbon copy of his effort against Sheffield United.</p>
<p>It was total control from Mikel Arteta’s side from thereon in with Partey also smashing the crossbar, while results elsewhere ensured there would be no Europa Conference League and, sadly, no St. Totteringham’s Day.</p>
<div id="attachment_115676" class="wp-caption aligncenter">
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-large wp-image-115676" src=https://paininthearsenal.com/2021/05/23/arsenal-player-ratings-vs-brighton-2/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_389,w_590/https%3A%2F%2Fpaininthearsenal.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2017%2F07%2F1319626154-850x560.jpeg" alt="Arsenal, Rob Holding" width="590" height="389"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 23: Rob Holding of Arsenal beating Leandro Trossard of Brighton & Hove Albion to the header during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Brighton & Hove Albion at Emirates Stadium. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)</p>
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<h2>Arsenal Goalkeeper & Defenders Ratings</h2>
<p><strong>Bernd Leno (GK) – 7/10 – </strong>Had nothing to do and that he did, he did well.</p>
<p><strong>Calum Chambers (RB) – 7/10 – </strong>Supported Pepe well down the right and chipped in with a few delicious crosses, but it was his decision to play infield more which was pleasing. Odegaard picked up great positions and Chambers made sure to find him with better diversity in his distribution.</p>
<p><strong>Rob Holding (CB) – 8/10 – </strong>Made and exceptional block in the first half and generally dealt with what Brighton threw at Arsenal comfortably.</p>
<p><strong>Gabriel (CB) – 7/10 – </strong>His pace was vital with Arsenal looking to play in the Brighton half. Tracked back well and covered the threat of Mac Allister and Trossard well. Strong in the air as ever.</p>
<p><strong>Kieran Tierney (LB) – 7/10 – </strong>A fully fit Tierney is invaluable to this team. Such intelligence every third and has the best deliveries of anyone in the side. Another all-round solid outing for the Scot.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #c01f2f" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2021/05/23/arsenal-player-ratings-vs-brighton-2/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Midfielders </a>
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<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-large wp-image-115675" src=https://paininthearsenal.com/2021/05/23/arsenal-player-ratings-vs-brighton-2/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_389,w_590/https%3A%2F%2Fpaininthearsenal.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2017%2F07%2F1319625709-850x560.jpeg" alt="Arsenal, Granit Xhaka" width="590" height="389"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 23: Granit Xhaka of Arsenal takes a shot during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Brighton & Hove Albion at Emirates Stadium on May 23, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)</p>
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<h2>Arsenal Midfielders Ratings</h2>
<p><strong>Thomas Partey (CM) – 7/10 – </strong>Found his shooting boots! At least in the sense that his efforts didn’t balloon over the bar and strike some poor fan in attendance.</p>
<p>Threaded some neat passes in to the forward players and showed his class when playing out of the Brighton press with his usually elegant drop of the shoulder when facing Bernd Leno. Next season we’ll see the true Partey.</p>
<p><strong>Granit Xhaka (CM) – 8/10 – </strong>Was visibly lacking in some fitness with some of his recovery runs looking particularly painful.</p>
<p>However, <a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2021/05/23/arsenal-player-ratings-vs-brighton-2/"https://paininthearsenal.com/2021/05/16/3-underrated-arsenal-players-season/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">with him back in the side Arsenal</a> were able to control the game with more physical presence. A dominating performance from the side was largely in part to the Swiss’ role in the engine room. Very strong showing in all departments.</p>
<p><strong>Martin Odegaard (AM) – 9/10 –</strong> The best player on the pitch by some distance. From the first minute Odegaard looked fired up, picking up clever positions in central areas and maintaining intense high pressure on the Seagulls defenders. Threaded some lovely balls into dangerous positions and demonstrated his technical value throughout.</p>
<p>You wouldn’t have thought this was his final game following a six-month loan spell where his future is still undecided. Outstanding display.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #c01f2f" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2021/05/23/arsenal-player-ratings-vs-brighton-2/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Forwards </a>
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<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-large wp-image-115669" src=https://paininthearsenal.com/2021/05/23/arsenal-player-ratings-vs-brighton-2/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_389,w_590/https%3A%2F%2Fpaininthearsenal.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1319627174-850x560.jpeg" alt="Arsenal, Nicolas Pepe" width="590" height="389"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 23: Nicolas Pepe of Arsenal is put under pressure by Dan Burn and Lewis Dunk of Brighton & Hove Albion during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Brighton & Hove Albion at Emirates Stadium on May 23, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)</p>
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<h2>Arsenal Forwards Ratings</h2>
<p><strong>Nicolas Pepe (RW) – 9/10 – </strong>Was involved plenty with Odegaard picking him out down the right flank, with some good drives centrally and smart attacking positioning.</p>
<p>Worked hard in the high press and made himself constantly available for a pass, taking both his goals like a seasoned pro.</p>
<p>If this is what Arsenal paid £72m for then it might be starting to make some sense after all.</p>
<p><strong>Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (ST) – 4/10 – </strong>Unable to influence the game as much as he or anyone would have liked but at least got found more often with some neat balls through to him from central areas. Drifted out to the left-wing to try and see more of the ball but couldn’t penetrate a solid Brighton defence.</p>
<p>Nothing came off for him.</p>
<p><strong>Emile Smith Rowe (LW) – 7/10 – </strong>Nice link up play with Kieran Tierney down the left flank, constantly running the channels and trying to stretch the game. Made a few powerful driving runs that with better finishing could have resulted in him notching an assist or two.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #c01f2f" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2021/05/23/arsenal-player-ratings-vs-brighton-2/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Substitutes </a>
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<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-large wp-image-115674" src=https://paininthearsenal.com/2021/05/23/arsenal-player-ratings-vs-brighton-2/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_389,w_590/https%3A%2F%2Fpaininthearsenal.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2017%2F07%2F1233065307-850x560.jpeg" alt="Arsenal, Mikel Arteta" width="590" height="389"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">Arsenal’s Spanish manager Mikel Arteta reacts during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Brighton and Hove Albion at the Emirates Stadium. (Photo by ALASTAIR GRANT/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)</p>
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<h2>Arsenal Substitutes Ratings</h2>
<p><strong>Bukayo Saka – 6/10 – </strong>Lively as ever and gave Ben White a torrid time.</p>
<p><strong>Alexandre Lacazette – N/A – </strong>An Arsenal farewell for Lacazette?</p>
<p><strong>Gabriel Martinelli – N/A –</strong> Not on long enough for a rating.</p><!—pageview_candidate—>">
