Arsenal lost 2-1 at home to Brighton to dent hopes of a Champions League place.

Leandro Trossard emphatically fired past Aaron Ramsdale after Enock Mwepu's pullback to put the Seagulls 1-0 ahead on 28 minutes, scoring their first league goal since March 5 in the process.

Gunners centre-back Gabriel struck the woodwork from a Bukayo Saka cross before the home side thought they had equalised when Gabi Martinelli steered his header into net in a crowded box moments before the interval.

However, Martinelli’s joy turned to despair after his close-range header was eventually ruled out for offside by VAR. The Arsenal support showed their displeasure by singing to referee David Coote: 'You don't know what you're doing...'

Worse was to follow for Mikel Arteta’s side after the break, when the lively Mwepu sidefooted home on the half volley from the edge of the area to double the Seagulls’ lead.

Despite Martin Odegaard’s late long-range strike that took a slight deflection off Danny Welbeck to evade Robert Sanchez, to make the final score 1-2 to Graham Potter’s side, the defeat means the firth place Gunners failed to capitalise on Manchester United’s 1-0 defeat at Everton in the early kick-off. Spurs in fourth face Aston Villa in the day’s late game while sixth spot West Ham travel to Brentford on Sunday. 

Read on for our Player Ratings on an afternoon to forget in North London

Arsenal 

Aaron Ramsdale: 5/10 - Safe handling, effective distribution. No chance with Trossard’s emphatic strike but no keeper likes to concede two goals at home

Cedric Soares: 5/10 - Engaged in a constant duel with Trossard even if the Brighton No11 had far too much space in the box to sweep in his goal 

Gabriel: 5/10 - Hit the woodwork in the first half but not as commanding in and around his own box as he has been recently 

Ben White: 5/10 – Will be disappointed with his display against his former teammates, certainly when compared to his stellar performances at times over the winter 

Granit Xhaka: 5/10 

Sambi Lokonga: 5.5/10 Replacement for Thomas Partey. Battled hard in the heart of midfield while also attempted to supplement colleagues further forward. Booked

Bukayo Saka: 5/10 - Full of running but a tad more composure needed at vital moments. Booked by referee Coote for simulation

Emile Smith Rowe: 5/10 - Lively at times down the left flank, but not as effective as he would have liked prior to be replaced by Nketiah midway through the second half

Martin Odegaard: 5.5/10 – An off day for the silky Norwegian even if it wasn’t through lack of effort. Booked. Late, long range effort showcased his talent but it wasn’t to be 

Alex Lacazette: 5/10 - Always works hard and is a real team player – but a No9 needs to score goals. And the Gunners captain’s haul has dried up

Gabi Martinelli: 5/10 - VAR ruled out his header practically on the line moments before the interval

Substitutes:

Eddie Nketiah: 4/10 - On for ESR

Pepe: 5/10 – Replaced Martinelli