Winners
Leandro Trossard
What a brilliant performance from the Belgian. Energy, threat and a great chance well saved by Stefan Ortega. Leandro Trossard provides everything that the Gunners have needed which is the strength in depth.
He was a nightmare for Rico Lewis and John Stones. He did dip in his level in the second half, but Mikel Arteta was able to bring on Gabriel Martinelli to again raise the level of Arsenal.
The end of the window will be focused on trying to secure serious depth for the midfield. Perhaps it could be the Belgian’s former teammate to provide the depth.
READ MORE: Kieran Tierney faces Man City audition amid Arsenal exit talk as Mikel Arteta continues shake-up
Moises Caicedo
Thomas Partey was replaced at half-time, with what appears to be an injury – more on that shortly- and replaced by Albert Sambi Lokonga. The Belgian’s performance was disappointing initially and showed exactly why, with Mohamed Elneny out, the depth in the area is lacking.
At full-time, Arsenal transfer target Moises Caicedo took to social media to speak of his desire to leave Brighton for the record transfer fee that the Gunners had submitted. Arsenal had a £60million bid turned down but could move again before the window closes.
With the game highlighting again the lack of depth in midfield, Arsenal are more inclined to push for the deal before the deadline.
The fixture schedule
Despite the pain of losing stinging right now, the defeat does guarantee Manchester City playing the additional game more than Arsenal. Considering the exits of Newcastle United, Chelsea and others, City will be favourites for the tournament and expected to go far.
With a title to try and win plus the Europa League to resume in March, the FA Cup was something of a distraction to some. With the depth in question, maybe additional fixtures weren’t what the Gunners needed.
Losers
Albert Sambi Lokonga
Mikel Arteta wanted to give opportunities to the likes of Rob Holding, Kieran Tierney and Fabio Vieira, who don’t typically start. Had they not played here, many would question when on earth they would play again from the start this season besides perhaps European football.
Albert Sambi Lokonga didn’t start but was handed a chance when Thomas Partey had to come off at half-time. His first action was to miscontrol the ball and concede possession.
Arteta could be seen on the sideline visibly frustrated and the absence of Partey was clearly felt. Arsenal will hope perhaps the Caicedo move will bear fruit so they can ensure greater competitive options in midfield especially as the Belgian was apparently seen to walk straight down the tunnel at full-time before any other player.
Rob Holding
Given a rare opportunity which could become even less after the arrival of Jakub Kiwior this winter, Rob Holding looked like a player out of his depth against Erling Haaland. A couple of needless mistakes nearly handed the Norwegian some goals were it not for Matt Turner who was excellent.
The summer may bring an end to Holding’s long stay in north London. Yet one cannot ignore there may be games where he is needed this season to help secure the points from a narrow winning position, but in this scenario his usefulness is more in question.
Thomas Partey
Another injury. How serious? We do not yet know the extent with Thomas Partey due to undergo an MRI today to work out the extent of his rib injury.
Should his injury be serious it will be the biggest possible blow to the Gunners' title hopes with Partey so crucial to how Arsenal play. It will also give Brighton an incentive to demand the maximum from any deal for Moises Caicedo. Some interesting and worrying days ahead maybe.
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