Lewis Dunk 5, Pascal Gross 5; Alexandre Lacazette off the bench for an 8; Brighton v Arsenal player ratings

French striker claims another important victory for Gunners

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  BRIGHTON RATINGS: Robert Sanchez, 6 - Despite commanding his box well and producing a fantastic second half save from Aubameyang, the Brighton goalkeeper couldn’t prevent Lacazette’s winner. AFP

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  Adam Webster, 6 - His ice cool composure and focus on every passage of play is a real attribute for this Brighton side. EPA

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  Lewis Dunk, 5 - Although he had consistently strong positioning, the captain lost his man for Arsenal’s winning goal and picked up a needless yellow card. EPA

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  Dan Burn, 5 - The physical defender’s impressive outing was somewhat soured after he was beaten for pace by Saka who went on to set up Lacazette’s tidy finish. Getty

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  Joel Veltman, 6 - From smart play to quick passing movements, Veltman was a source of danger throughout the game for the Seagulls. AP

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  Bernardo, 6 - Held the ball up well but showed no real conviction when moving into the final third for the hosts. AP

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  Yves Bissouma, 7 - Protected the ball and helped to dictate the pace of the game in the middle of the park from the first minute until the very last. EPA

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  Davy Propper, 6 - While he did struggle in attacking positions, Propper’s grit and determination instilled some intimidation in Brighton’s play. EPA

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  Pascal Gross, 5 - A string of poor free kicks summed up a disappointing evening for the usually reliable Gross. Getty

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  Alexis Mac Allister, 5 - Blasted an effort over the bar in what was his main contribution at the Amex. Getty

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  Alireza Jahanbakhsh, 5 - Seemed to panic whenever he found himself inside the box, and as a result, he fluffed a few important chances for Brighton. AP

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  SUBS: Neal Maupay, 5 - Barely got a sniff at the ball and seemed to be thrown on more so out of desperation than anything else. Reuters

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  Solly March, 6 - Made a few nice runs down either flank but was unable to really influence the outcome of the game. Leandro Trossard, N/A -- Looked active and ready to create opportunities but didn’t receive the service necessary. Reuters

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  ARSENAL RATINGS: Bernd Leno, 7 - Outside of some cocky tricks in the 22nd minute, Leno was one of Arsenal’s most efficient players. EPA

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  Kieran Tierney, 7 - Showed off his phenomenal gas tank by spreading his play from pillar to post, impressing both with his crosses and his defensive work. EPA

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  Pablo Mari, 8 - The calm demeanour of Pablo Mari has allowed Arsenal fans to relax more in their defensive structure, and that, in itself, is a huge compliment. AP

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  Rob Holding, 6 - He may have been static on a few occasions when Brighton pushed forward, but on the whole, he partnered up nicely with Mari. EPA

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  Hector Bellerin, 6 - After another lethargic first half the Spaniard battled hard and showed a lot of heart in helping Arsenal grind out the win. Getty

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  Granit Xhaka, 5 - Called Brighton’s bluff by allowing them to bleed into Arsenal’s half time and time again, and against a better team, that would’ve cost them dearly. AP

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  Mohamed Elneny, 5 - The Egyptian’s negative style pushed Arsenal back far too often, leaving many questions surrounding how necessary he is for the Gunners. Getty

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  Emile Smith-Rowe, 6 - Grew into the game through nice one-twos and cutting inside, although he did look nervous in the first half. EPA

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  Gabriel Martinelli, 6 - He may have an explosive style, but it means nothing when he isn’t being provided with enough opportunities up top. EPA

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  Bukayo Saka, 8 - After being marked off the ball in the first 45 minutes, Saka burst into life with a great assist to set up the winning goal. AP

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  Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, 6 - Was forced out wide far too often, although he did bring others into the game very well - especially in the second half. AP

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  SUBS: Alexandre Lacazette, 8 - In addition to his strong service, Lacazette made an instant impact within seconds of coming on by scoring for the third consecutive game.

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  Ainsley Maitland-Niles, N/A - Served as another defensive option but didn’t have enough time to do anything of note. Getty

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  Dani Ceballos, N/A - Held the ball up as and when he could but was really introduced to further kill the clock. AP

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta hailed a "dream" substitution after Alexandre Lacazette made an instant impact to secure a 1-0 success at struggling Brighton.

Frenchman Lacazette, who was dropped to the bench due to a sore back, recovered to clinically claim the second-half winner just 21 seconds after coming on at the Amex Stadium.

Victory on the south coast backed up the 3-1 Boxing Day win over London rivals Chelsea to move the Gunners nine points clear of the relegation zone.

Lacazette's strike - following a fine assist from Bukayo Saka - was his third goal in as many games in all competitions, leaving Arteta to praise the match-winning cameo.

"I think this is what all the managers dream of - to bring people from the bench and to win you the game like he's done tonight," said Arteta.

"He has been in really good form in the last few weeks. He has been scoring goals, he's full of confidence. I think it was a brilliant goal."

Arteta admits the successive victories will give his players a much-needed boost going into the new year.

"In this period, we know how much we needed the wins," said the Spaniard.

"We had a really tough week and it wasn't that much about the performance, it was about the result.

"You need the results to start confidence and now with two wins I think everyone is in a much better mood.

"We have managed through this period to maintain our team spirit and our cohesion, and that is not easy to do because obviously the frustration that comes out with defeat is normally affecting the team."

Brighton stay two points above the bottom three after ending the calendar year with just a solitary top-flight success to show from 17 home fixtures.

Albion boss Graham Potter said: "There was lots to be positive about, certainly first half. I thought we did well in the game against a team that has some good attacking players.

"Overall the game is quite an even game. We didn't probably create as much as we would have liked, so we need to improve that.

"It's just frustrating that we're not winning or picking up the points we'd like to.

"We're doing some things well but we need to carry on improving. This league is so demanding, so punishing. These things can happen and we have to stick together as a group."