Arsenal's title hopes were dealt a blow as they were forced to settle for a draw against Brighton on Saturday.
With Bukayo Saka set for an extended spell on the sidelines teenage prospect Ethan Nwaneri was entrusted with just his second-ever Premier League start by Mikel Arteta.
The 17-year-old academy graduate quickly repaid his manager's faith by firing the Gunners into the lead after just 16 minutes.
Both sides made changes at the interval but it was Brighton who would seize the initiative in the second half, with referee Anthony Taylor pointing to the spot on the hour mark after Joao Pedro clashed heads with William Saliba.
The Brazilian duly converted from twelve yards to put the hosts back on level terms and secure a point for Fabian Hurzeler's side.
Mail Sport's ISAAN KHAN was at the Amex to give his expert analysis on both teams.
BRIGHTON (4-2-3-1)
BART VERBRUGGEN: 5.5
Had to do better on Nwaneri’s goal, the shot going through him.
JOEL VELTMAN: 6.5
Very physical. Pestered the opposition and didn’t shy away from duels.
JAN PAUL VAN HECKE: 6.5
Nice passing from the back.
IGOR JULIO: 6.5
Stayed in position. Benefitted from lack of Arsenal physical presence among front three.
PERVIS ESTUPINAN: 6
Like Veltman, threw himself around and not afraid of confrontation. Should have done better in lead up to Nwaneri goal.
CARLOS BALEBA: 8
Gave Jorginho big problems and looked powerful in middle of park. Big asset to Brighton.
YASIN AYARI: 6.5
Good ball progression and worked tirelessly across pitch.
BRAJAN GRUDA: 6
Broke up play well. His header gave Matt O’Riley half a chance on 21 minutes.
MATT O’RILEY: 6.5
Set up Simon Adingra, which he could have scored from.
SIMON ADINGRA: 7
Gave Partey a headache, utilising his pace and dribbling skill. Should have done better with his shot on 34 minutes, wildly skewing it wide.
JOAO PEDRO: 6.5
Quiet in parts of the game but, crucially, took his penalty with aplomb.
Substitutes:
GEORGINIO RUTTER: 6.5
YANKUBA MINTEH: 6.5
KAORU MITOMA: 6.5
ADAM WEBSTER: 6.5
Manager:
FABIAN HURZELER: 6.5
ARSENAL (4-3-3)
DAVID RAYA: 6.5
Not too much action to deal with in first half. Clattered by Matt O’Riley and continued.
THOMAS PARTEY: 6
Stayed put to his position, but outhustled by Simon Adingra on occasion.
WILLIAM SALIBA: 6
Passing between the backline helped slow the game down in the first half after going a goal up. Conceded penalty after his collision with Joao Pedro.
GABRIEL: 6.5
Both he and Saliba ensured Brighton’s joy centrally was limited.
RICCARDO CALAFIORI: 6.5
Willing to receive the ball in tight positions and kept looking for the overlaps to make.
DECLAN RICE: 7.5
Got himself all over the field. His smart low free-kick on 58 minutes should have been utilised better.
JORGINHO: 5.5
Dispossessed a few times in the middle in an average display.
MIKEL MERINO: 6
Should’ve done better with Rice’s low free-kick.
ETHAN NWANERI: 7
Scored to put his team ahead. Gave the ball away a couple of times. Hooked at half-time.
GABRIEL JESUS: 6
Lively around the box. Limited chances in front of goal.
LEANDRO TROSSARD: 6.5
Booed whenever he touched the ball. Ran around with purpose, wanting to get revenge.
SUBSTITUTIONS:
GABRIEL MARTINELLI: 6
MARTIN ODEGAARD: 6
Manager
MIKEL ARTETA: 6
Footballfannn2ll
0
Beleba is too good. What a player
Sosklrtz
0
arteta is a baby coach
Pazceilopu
0
I don't think Arsenal is ready for the title. The attack was very poor yesterday;it's time to sign the attacking Midfielder and powerful strikers in the January transfers.
fabadkprty
1
Playing Partey out of position is not a mistake by Arteta. Their was no one to play their except him. Timber is on suspension for accumulated yellow cards.
ritcestuyz
0
Arteta, playing Partey out of position to accomodation your national Merino won't take us anywhere
Pekalnoyz
0
amex stadium was too bright for the gunners to fire their guns
Doudoprtu
0
Does Arteta think he's gonna win the league with the way he approaches the media in term of answering questions? he could be nuisance. All successful coaches will never care about the feelings of player over the club. the first thing he normally failed to do is to sign quality Stryker. Secondly, the misplacing of player in their position just to accommodate the other and thirdly, the mentality @this in the league has always been clueless. If he would love to succeed, these thing must be improved on or else, we will have to wait for the next episode.
jozaprtz
0
Arteta had defenders on the bench that were fit to start. why not start them even if they are not left sided defenders. Then play Partey and Odegard in midfield. Arteta is very stubborn.He told his players to defend after 1 goal. Bad decision in an away game
Nanabdenpy
0
Arteta a big joke
Vahclnuz
0
Well all dt said...the problem is not players..arsenal problem is ARTETA.
Hotbilmnot
1
Martinelli, Trossard, Merino, and Chief Arteta this Arsenal team is too big for them at this stage. no clue at all on how to go above this. we are stagnant
Fuwdeiknos
0
Arsenal ain't gonna win anything
Buaackmoty
1
liberpul want the league to End now🤫
Buaackmoty
3
liberpul want the to End now🤫
Cocabdmnyz
2
Merino
kolonegooner
3
We win nothing with Martinelli in the squad, need better than him
kolonegooner
3
Tired of Martinelli
viwbcdemnt
1
Arteta you must start the skipper in these must win matches secondly tossard should be a substitue comming off the bench nuranrie should play ninty minittes
sukeknryz
0
You're playing Brighton away you bench Odegard and start playing partey as Right back for what arteta has to go we're tired of hearing his useless excuses 😤
Sudceiprst
0
Fuck Arteta