Arsenal player ratings vs Brighton as Bukayo Saka, Alexandre Lacazette and Sambi Lokonga poor

Arsenal suffered a major blow in their pursuit of top four on Saturday after they were defeated by Brighton at the Emirates stadium.

A 2-1 loss was enough to condemn the Gunners to further problems in the race for Champions League football as Tottenham Hotspur eased past Aston Villa in the midlands. Although they picked up a late consolation through Martin Odegaard, Mikel Arteta's side fell victim to a 2-1 loss and are now in a difficult predicament moving forward.

Let's take a look at how Arsenal writer Kaya Kaynak rated the Arsenal players involved.

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Could he have done more to stop the Mwepu volley? Perhaps. He wasn't really the main reason Arsenal lost today even if his passing wasn't quite its usual accurate self.

Was done by some terrific passing in the build up to the second goal and Brighton's incisiveness in possession meant he couldn't get forward as much on the right.

Had occasions where he dawdled on the ball a touch but that was more to do the lack of movement in front of him. Lots of touches but not much incision with his passing.

Much better than on Monday night and came very close to a goal and arguably should have had an assist for Martinelli's goal that was ruled out. Far too passive on the ball though.

Bizarrely chosen to play left back again and it didn't really work. Drifted infield where he could but couldn't support the attack and was shown up in his one-vs-one defending at times.

Just doesn't compare to Thomas Partey at the base of Arsenal's midfield. His passing, while forward for the most part, was often inaccurate and the Gunners struggled to create through the middle as a result.

Looked