Mikel Arteta aims to trim bloated Arsenal squad in transfer window

Gunners manager admits club 'cannot sustain the numbers that we have in certain positions' with likes of Ozil, Mustafi and Kolasinac surplus to requirements

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

Mikel Arteta says Arsenal's priority in the January transfer window is to trim their bloated squad as he seeks to build on a mini-revival at the Premier League club.

The Gunners were able to offload Emiliano Martinez and Henrikh Mkhitaryan in the summer window while Matteo Guendouzi and Lucas Torreira departed on loan.

But forgotten man Mesut Ozil remained at the Emirates along with Shkodran Mustafi and Sead Kolasinac, who have barely featured this campaign.

And defender was the first go when he joined German strugglers Schalke on loan for the rest of the season

Ozil, whose deal expires in summer 2021, has been left out of the Gunners' Premier League and Europa League squads this season.

Arsenal have been linked with a loan move for Real Madrid playmaker Isco next month, but first of all technical director Edu will attempt to raise funds by moving on those who are surplus to requirements.

"There are some players that are going to go on loan and going to leave and that is the priority at the moment," manager Arteta said ahead of Saturday's trip to West Brom.

"We cannot sustain the numbers that we have in certain positions and we are looking to do that, and then we will see if we have the right opportunity in the positions where we need some more help."

The pressure on Arteta has eased after wins against Chelsea and Brighton lifted Arsenal to 13th in the Premier League table following a miserable run.

Bukayo Saka, who starred in the 1-0 win at Brighton on Tuesday, is expected to be fit for the match against Sam Allardyce's West Brom.

The teenager was forced off during the latter stages of the victory after a strong challenge, but should recover while David Luiz and Willian, who both tested negative for Covid-19 earlier this week, may return this weekend.

Allardyce this week called for a "circuit-breaker" in the Premier League as coronavirus cases spike in Britain but league bosses said the competition would continue as planned.

"All the protocols we have in place, everything we do around the training ground and matches, the fact that we play our game outside, it minimises the risk a lot," Arteta said.

"We're going to have more restrictions I think, we're going to have more tests to try to be as efficient as we were before and we will see. But I think it will work and I think we can carry on doing it."

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Gallery: Arsenal 3 Chelsea 1