ARSENAL suffered late heartbreak in a 2-1 defeat away at Brighton as Mikel Arteta’s side slip further behind in the race for the Champions League spots.
The Gunners were on top for the majority of the match and opened the scoring thanks to a beautiful curling effort from Nicolas Pepe.
But Brighton bundled in an equaliser in the 75th minute through Lewis Dunk.
And Neal Maupay – involved in a controversial first-half incident – buried a last second winner with virtually the final kick to break Arsenal’s spirit.
Bernd Leno 4/10
The German looked solid early on but was forced off with a serious-looking injury after a collision with Neal Maupay.
He was subbed off in the 40th-minute but showed his fury by launching a verbal tirade at the Brighton ace from his stretcher.
Hector Bellerin 6
A quiet outing for the speedy Spaniard.
Arsenal more prolific on the opposite side of the field.
Rob Holding 5
Looked comfortable on the ball to start with on only his second Premier League start this season.
But could tell he was slightly rusty and could not prevent Lewis Dunk’s goal despite his best efforts.
Shkodran Mustafi 6
He has probably lost count of how many centre-back partners he has had already.
But Mustafi looked solid enough alongside Holding.
Sead Kolasinac 6
The Bosnian used his strength well to shield the ball.
Made the odd foray forward but not his most influential showing.
Dani Ceballos 6
The Real Madrid loanee was unable to affect matters much in the first period.
Subbed off near the end.
Matteo Guendouzi 7
The only mop-haired Gunner on display today after David Luiz’s sensational City debacle, Guendouzi showed his customary passion and desire.
The midfield general never stopped trying in the middle of the park.
Bukayo Saka 8
Outstanding from the youngster. Is there any position he cannot play?
Caught the bar with a beautiful right-foot effort before the break and threatened constantly. Assisted the Pepe goal.
Nicolas Pepe 7
Scored a stunning goal which was mixed in with the odd nice touch.
He burst into life with a beautiful left-foot shot into the roof of the net to open the scoring but can still improve his all-round performances.
Alexandre Lacazette 6
Got himself in some very dangerous positions and combined well with Aubameyang and Sako.
Left Gunners fans wanting more with his finishing.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang 7
The skipper looked dangerous when he drifted on to the left in tandem with Saka.
Subs
Emiliano Martinez (for Leno, 40) 7
Had to settle immediately and pulled off a very firm stop within seconds of coming on.
Another good stop from Maupay in the second half – assured performance, unlucky with the first goal and not at fault for the winner.
Eddie Nketiah (for Lacazette, 78) 6
Sprightly but not much time to impress.
Kieran Tierney, Joe Willock, Reiss Nelson (for Saka, Ceballos, Pepe, 88) 5
Could not make a decisive impact in the dying minutes.
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