Bernd Leno: Alert to danger the sweeper keeper showed good reactions when diving low to gather Glenn Murray's first half header after lively play from Brighton's Yves Bissouna. Smothered Solly's second half shot after the Brighton attacker danced through the Gunners backline. 7
Stephan Lichtsteiner: The veteran right-back supplemented Gunners attacks down the flank prompting memories of his nickname the 'Swiss Express' during his star-studded time at the Serie A giants while landing seven titles. Exceptional offensively and defensively. His performance is why Emery made him his first signing. Influential with blocks, tackles, vital headers and excellent positioning. A joy to watch. Just a shame he hasn't been this impressive all season. 7
Shkodran Mustafi: Stooped low to head on a Xhaka corner but Brighton keeper Ryan was equal to the task to prevent a strike that would have seen the crowd erupt with joy and disbelief in equal measure if the cult figure had scored. 6
Unai Emery reveals why he opted for Matteo Guendouzi over Lucas Torreira and why he changed it
Sokratis: Solid without ever being as effective as his physicality and experience demands. 6
Nacho Monreal: Radar slightly off key with crosses in the first half, with one particular wayward ball earning the fury of Lacazette. Always looked to supplement attacks with forays further up the field. 6
Granit Xhaka: Was there contact between Xhaka and Solly March for the penalty? It looked like a soft goal to concede even if Xhaka’s efforts were less than effective in preventing the Brighton man from powering past without being hindered. Perplexing as to why his arms were up during the ‘challenge’. 6
Lucas Torreira: Linked the defence and attack and was at the heart of the battle. Showed great technique to drill a low shot back across Ryan’s goal, narrowly missing the right hand post as Arsenal kept the pressure on ahead of the interval. 6
Henrikh Mkhitaryan: Creative and mobile one moment, ineffective and static the next. Apart from Ozil can there be a more infuriating player blessed with such technical ability? 4
Mesut Ozil: Captain for the day but unfortunately failed to show the qualities required. A class act in terms of technique but how you wish for this talented but mercurial presence to grab games by the scruff of the next. 6
Arsenal player ratings vs Valencia: Lacazette & Aubameyang shine, Torreira impresses in 3-1 win
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang: Calmly slotted home his ninth minutes penalty to ease nerves around the Emirates while notching 20 league goals for the season. Never stopped working and was always a threat to the Brighton backline who he never let settle. 7
Alexander Lacazette: Showed frustration at colleague Monreal after a poor error which was indicative of the high standards Arsenal's player of the season always demands from colleagues - and himself. Lively without ever being as effective as a player of his calibre would have wanted. 7
Substitutes:
Alex Iwobi: On for Xhaka but little time to make an impact. 6
Matteo Guendouzi: Part of Emery's triple substitution as the Arsenal boss attempted one final throw of the dice as the 2--year-old replaced Mkhitaryan. 6
Sead Kolasinac: The final third of the triple change made late on as he replaced Lichtsteiner. 6
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