Alexandre Lacazette’s goal sinks Brighton as Arsenal make it 2 wins in 2 games.
Arsenal ended a dreadful 2020 in a spectacular fashion. As Arsenal rack up consecutive wins for the first time since the start of the season. Going into the boxing day fixture against Chelsea, Arsenal were winless in 7 games.
Mikel Arteta made big changes to his squad which saw youngsters Emile-Smith Rowe and Gabriel Martinelli start ahead of underperforming senior players. Since then Arsenal have looked improved and certainly, results have been encouraging with a win against Chelsea and Brighton.
After a lackluster first half from both the teams, Arsenal came into the second half with all guns blazing. But Captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang missed an incredible opportunity from close range.
However, Arsenal were rewarded for their persistence when Alexandre Lacazette came off the bench and slotted past Robert Sanchez just after 21 seconds. As usual Bukayo Saka was the star of the show. The 19-year old midfielder’s incredible run set-up the only goal of the match.
Arsenal Player Ratings Against Brighton:
Bernd Leno (7/10)– A decent day at the office for the German Goalkeeper. Commanded the box well and his distribution seems to be improving. However, was caught up in an awkward moment in the first-half with his touch.
Hector Bellerin (5/10)– Not one of his best games. The Spaniard got exploited in the first half, but a much improved second-half performance.
Rob Holding(6/10)– Just like Hector Bellerin, Holding had a nervy start. But got comfortable as the game moved on and nullified the presence of Jahanbakhsh.
Pablo Mari(7/10)– Influential performance from the Spaniard. Certainly a vocal and commanding presence inside the box with neat passing-out from the back.
Kieran Tierney(7/10)– Mr. Consistent for Arsenal. Another impressive showing from the left-back. A threat offensively with pin-point crosses.
Granit Xhaka(6/10)– A decent outing for the Swiss Midfielder. An uneventful performance from Xhaka and slotted in well defensively when required to do so.
Mo Elneny(5/10)– A poor display from Egyptian. Sloppy in-possession. However, apart from that did his defensive duties without much drama.
Emile Smith Rowe(6/10)- A brilliant second-half display from the Englishmen. Energetic and crisp-passer of the ball. Few more performances like this, Smith Rowe could become regular for Arsenal in 2021.
Gabriel Martinelli (5/10)– Another energetic performance from the young Brazilian. However, didn’t have much impact as he would have wished for. Continues to work to regain full fitness.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (4/10)– A disappointing performance from Arsenal captain. Missed a clear-cut opportunity and looked like a player without any confidence.
Alexandre Lacazette(7/10)– Instant impact from the Frenchmen. Lacazette scored after just 21 seconds. However, After a poor spell, Lacazette now has 3 goals in the last 3 games.
Dani Ceballos(5/10)– Replaced Saka in the 81st minute.
Ainsley Maitland-Niles(N/A)- Came on for last few minutes
Man Of The Match:
Bukayo Saka(8/10)– Arsenal’s player of the season so far. 19-year-old Englishmen with another performance to justify why he is rated so highly by Arsenal fans. Assisted the Lacazette’s goal which involved a brilliant run from his own half.
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