Glenn Murray's penalty all but ends Arsenal's top four hopes

Arsenal will not play in the Champions League next season, unless they win the Europa League, after failing to win at home in the league for the second time in a row. After losing 2-3 versus Crystal Palace, they were only able to draw 1-1 against Brighton who had nothing to play for. Aubameyang scored from the spot for Arsenal, but Glenn Murray equalised in the second half. Chelsea are now guaranteed a top four spot and Arsenal will have to win at Burnley, hope Tottenham lose at home to Everton and with an eight goal swing to finish in the top four.

The Londoners knew they needed the three points and came out the blocks firing. Mkhitaryan hit the post with a shot form inside the D inside two minutes after good build up play from Lacazette. Arsenal continued to attack, but Brighton gave the hosts a scare in the 6th minute when Solly March's cross from the near side which beat everyone in the box. But, three minutes later, Arsenal controversially scored. Referee Anthony Taylor deemed Jahanbakhsh had fouled Nacho Monreal in the box even though there was no contact. Aubameyang took advantage of the decision to send Ryan the wrong way.

The hosts were firmly in control of the game and were comfortable without really troubling the Brighton net. However, Brighton woke up after 19 minutes. Bissouma was fouled on the edge of the box and Gross' free kick struck Sokratis, who was booked for diving, in the wall. The away players claimed handball, but it was accidental and then nearly equalised in the 25th minute. Arsenal goalkeeper, Leno, gave the ball straight to Jahanbakhsh on the edge of the box, he fed Murray who saw his shot deflected out of play. 

Emery's men possibly became overconfident and the Seagulls continued to grow into the contest. March, possibly Brighton's best player in the match, found the side-netting in the 30th minute and two minutes later, Pascal Gross nearly scored direct from a corner. After being on the back foot for 10 minutes, the Gunners finished the half strongly. 

Mustafi saw his header from a Granit Xhaka corner saved by keeper Matt Ryan on the line and then six minutes before the interval, the Australian shot stopper was called into action again. Mkhitaryan connects with Ozil's cross from about ten yards out and Ryan dived to his right to prevent the equaliser. Lucas Torreira's pop whistled past the post seconds later and then right on the stroke of half-time. Mkhitaryan hit it from outside the box, Ryan made a tremendous save and then on the rebound, Stephens headed Lacazette's effort over the crossbar.

Half-time came at a great time for the visitors and they started the second half brightly. March tested Leno in the 51st minute after Gross laid the ball off to him. Granit Xhaka got two free-kicks for Arsenal which he fired straight at the wall. That said, despite Brighton's positive play, it seemed as though Arsenal were in control of the situation. Then on the hour mark, the fatal blow was struck. 

March sprinted down Arsenal's right flank and Xhaka clipped his leg just as he entered the area. The Brighton man made the most of the contact, but the referee was right to point to the spot. Xhaka's challenge was duly punished from 12 yards by Glenn Murray. He hit it to Leno's left and the German stood still. Brighton had unexpectedly taken the lead and Arsenal knew they needed a goal. But first, Chris Hughton's men nearly went in front, but March's goalbound shot was cleared by Mustafi. 

In the final 25 minutes of the match, Arsenal threw everyone forward. Aubameyang volleyed wide a corner before hitting straight at Ryan three minutes later. The Gabonese then inexplicably fired wide a ball from a teammate in the 74th minute. He had various chances to score and his team won various corners. Brighton were kept on their toes and Lacazette's strike took a double deflection as the home side turned up the heat. Unai Emery then made a triple substitute bringing on Iwobi, Guendouzi and Kolasinac. 

Arsenal left themselves exposed at the back and they could have even lost the game on three occasions. Bernardo smacked it wide from 25 yards in the 80th minute then Bissouma was unable to hit the target before Pascal Gross came the closest in the 85th minute. Knockaert was brilliant in the build up and Gross headed across goal rather than into it. The closing stages were very, very open and then came the Arsenal siege. 

Kolasinac sent in a cross which Aubameyang could not reach and then Duffy cleared a Lacazette shot. The hosts continued to get corners in injury time and Mustafi managed to head at Ryan. There was desperation and panic in the Brighton box, but the Seasiders managed to hold out to claim a draw at the Emirates. Arsenal will now have to turn their attention towards winning the Europa League in order to play Champions League football next season.