Arsenal took a real blow to their title chances after dropping points at Brighton. It will be the second game against the Seagulls that a refereeing decision will be the highlight of the match.

The Gunners took the lead in the first half through their young star Ethan Nwaneri – the 17-year-old running clear to finish. A controversial penalty call gifted Brighton the leveller after a strange clash of heads with William Saliba and Joao Pedro saw Anthony Taylor point to the spot which the forward then dispatched.

Here's how football.london rated the Gunners players individually in the match.

READ MORE: Baffling William Saliba penalty call may cost Arsenal title as Mikel Arteta must act in January

READ MORE: Every word Mikel Arteta said on Brighton draw, Saliba penalty, time-wasting and transfer needs

David Raya – Did not stand a chance against the Joao Pedro penalty, high into the top corner and he dove the other direction anyway. 6

Thomas Partey – Had one moment in the first half that nearly proved costly but otherwise, as he has been this season, Partey was very solid in the right-back role but did lack the progression to the right wing that Jurrien Timber more naturally provides. 6

Wiliam Saliba – What was once again an imperious game from the Frenchman turned into a madness and not much to do with anything other than a truly bizarre moment. An accidental clash of heads saw Saliba connect with Joao Pedro who went down. 7

Gabriel Magalhaes – Solid again and not at fault for the Brighton goal. Controlling and calm with his passing at the back as per usual. 7

Riccardo Calafiori – Better than his performance at Brentford as the minutes appear to be having a positive effect on the Italian’s game. However, he did get caught out a number of times when the ball was played in behind. 6

Jorginho – A couple of errors in the first half nearly proved very costly for Arsenal - the first a miskick in the box before losing possession leading to a Simon Adingra chance that should have been scored. Replaced in the second half for Martin Odegaard. 5

Mikel Merino – Accused at times for not being progressive enough found the perfect pass through to Nwaneri. Finding a ball that perhaps Odegaard, who was absent from the starting eleven due to illness, would have found himself. That said, there were times where I felt myself yearning for him to take a shot or find a pass in the second half that was not found. 6

Declan Rice – Speaking of Odegaard’s absence, Rice played in an advanced position in the skipper’s stead and pressed excellently, while also being involved in the build-up for the first goal. Second half however he faded. 6

Ethan Nwaneri – Is this the moment that Ethan Nwaneri arrives on the biggest stage in a critical game for the Gunners? It was an excellent run and then the composure of the curled finish to beat Bart Verbruggen. 7

Leandro Trossard – Booed from the start and was very ineffective throughout the game, offering little-to-nothing for the Gunners. 4

Gabriel Jesus – While he certainly lacked service and was forced to go deep, he did not have much impact on the game whatsoever. 5

Substitutions:

Gabriel Martinelli – He replaced Nwaneri at half-time with the youngster already on a yellow card. Did not manage to have much influence on proceedings. 5

Martin Odegaard – Patently clear in this and the last game that Odegaard is not 100%, and very far from it. 5