Brighton 1-1 Arsenal PLAYER RATINGS: Which Gunners star was 'average' in midfield? Who was “overtaken” at Amex? And who was the only one who seemed to “want revenge” after the tie?

Arsenal's title hopes suffered a blow when they were forced to settle for a draw against Brighton on Saturday.

With Bukayo Saka set for an extended spell on the sidelines, Mikel Arteta handed teenage prospect Ethan Nwaneri just his second Premier League start.

The 17-year-old youth squad quickly repaid his coach's faith by putting the Gunners ahead after just 16 minutes.

Both teams made changes at half-time but it was Brighton who took the initiative in the second half, with referee Anthony Taylor pointing to the point on the hour after Joao Pedro collided with William Saliba.

The Brazilian scored from twelve meters to tie the hosts and secure a point for Fabian Hurzeler's team.

Mail Sport's ISAAN KHAN was at the Amex to provide his expert analysis on both teams.

Arsenal were forced to settle for a point after failing to maintain their lead at the Amex.

Joao Pedro put Brighton back on level terms after Ethan Nwaneri put the hosts ahead

BRIGHTON (4-2-3-1)

BART VERBRUGGEN: 5.5

He had to do better in Nwaneri's goal, the shot went through him.

JOEL VELTMAN: 6.5

Very physical. He bothered rivals and did not shy away from duels.

JAN PAUL VAN HECKE: 6.5

Good pass from behind.

IGOR JULY: 6.5

He stayed in position. He benefited from Arsenal's lack of physical presence in the top three.

Seagulls goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen should have done better on Arsenal's first goal

Joel Veltman was solid and consistently prevented Arsenal from building on their momentum.

PERVIS STUPINAN: 6

Like Veltman, he jumped in and wasn't afraid of confrontation. Should have done better before Nwaneri's goal.

CARLOS BALEBA: 8

He gave Jorginho big problems and looked powerful in the middle of the park. Big advantage for Brighton.

AGE ADJUSTMENT: 6.5

Good ball progression and tireless work throughout the field.

BRAJAN GRUDA: 6

He broke the game well. His header gave Matt O'Riley half a chance in the 21st minute.

Brajan Gruda managed to break Arsenal's midfield play on several occasions

MATT O'RILEY: 6.5

He set up Simon Adingra, from where he could have scored.

SIMON ADINGRA: 7

He gave Partey a headache, using his pace and dribbling ability. He should have done better with his shot in the 34th minute, deflecting wildly.

JAO PEDRO: 6.5

Calm in some parts of the game but, above all, he took his penalty with aplomb.

Substitutes:

GEORGE RUTTER: 6.5

Joao Pedro stepped up when it mattered most to ensure Brighton took a point

MINTEH YANKUBA: 6.5

KAORU MITOMA: 6.5

ADAM Webster: 6.5

Manager:

FABIÁN HURZELER: 6.5

ARSENAL (4-3-3)

DAVID RAYA: 6.5

There isn't much action to deal with in the first half. Rattled by Matt O'Riley and continued.

David Raya had little to do for much of the first half, but kept going after taking a hit.

THOMAS FIESTA: 6

He held his position, but was occasionally overtaken by Simon Adingra.

GUILLERMO SALIBA: 6

Passes between the back line helped slow the game in the first half after going a goal up. Penalty awarded after his collision with Joao Pedro.

GABRIEL: 6.5

Both he and Saliba ensured Brighton's joy was limited.

RICARDO CALAFIORI: 6.5

Willing to receive the ball in closed positions and continued looking for overlaps to make.

After Arsenal took the lead, William Saliba was key to their control during the first half.

Once again deployed at right back, Thomas Partey is capable in the absence of Jurrien Timber

DECLAN RICE: 7.5

He went all over the field. His clever low free kick in the 58th minute should have been used better.

JORGINHO: 5.5

Stripped a couple of times in the middle in an average display.

MIKEL MERINO: 6

Should have done better with Rice's low free kick.

ETHAN NWANERI: 7

He scored to put his team ahead. He gave the ball away a couple of times. Hooked on the break.

Declan Rice was as hardworking as ever in midfield as Arsenal looked to find an advantage.

Ethan Nwaneri impressed on his second league start but was left hooked at half-time after being booked.

Gabriel Jesus was lively as the visitors advanced but failed to get his name on the scoreboard.

GABRIEL JESUS: 6

Animated around the frame. Limited opportunities in front of goal.

LEANDRO TROSSARD: 6.5

Booed every time he touched the ball. He ran with a purpose, wanting revenge.

SUBSTITUTIONS:

GABRIEL MARTINELLI: 6

MARTIN ODEGAARD: 6

Manager

MIKEL ARTETA: 6