The Arsenal players found themselves dealing with pressure they hadn't felt in recent weeks, but a disappointing 3-0 defeat away at Crystal Palace on Monday meant that the clash against Brighton was a must-win for the Gunners. Thomas Partey and Kieran Tierney were both unavailable due to injury, meaning Sambi Lokonga started in midfield while Mikel Arteta decided to opt for Granit Xhaka at left-back.
Despite having plenty of attacking threat with Emile Smith Rowe, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli all starting, Brighton made it difficult for a breakthrough to be found. As the frustration around the Emirates started to settle in, it was the Seagulls who took the lead half an hour in through Leandro Trossard.
Hope was initially restored for Arsenal after Martinelli headed the ball in from close range just before half-time, but following a VAR check which seemed to take forever to reach a conclusion, the goal was overturned.
