Declan Rice’s unfortunate red card proved costly for Arsenal as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Brighton at the Emirates Stadium, dropping two crucial points at the top of the table.
Arsenal dominated the first half, with Martin Odegaard squandering a golden opportunity before Bukayo Saka’s brilliant play set up Kai Havertz, who calmly chipped Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen for the opener. Despite Brighton having more possession in the first half, Arsenal went into the break with a slender lead.
The game took a turn when Rice, already on a yellow card, was sent off for blocking a quick free-kick in front of Brighton’s Joel Veltman. Referee Chris Kavanagh showed Rice a second yellow, reducing Arsenal to 10 men.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta expressed his frustration with the decision, criticizing the lack of consistency, noting that Veltman should have also been sent off for a similar offense earlier in the match.
“I was amazed. Amazed, amazed, amazed because of how inconsistent decisions can be,” Arteta said.
“In the first half, there are two incidents [where Brighton kicked the ball away] and nothing happens.
Then, in a non-critical area, the ball hits Declan (on the back of his leg), he turns around, he doesn’t see the player coming and he touches the ball.
By law, he [the referee] can make that call, but then by law he needs to make the next call, which is a red card, so we play 10 vs 10. This is what amazed me. At this level, it’s amazing.”
Rice’s first career red card means he will miss the upcoming north London derby against Tottenham on September 15.
Arsenal’s midfield options are further limited with Mikel Merino sidelined by a fractured shoulder, and both Fabio Vieira and Emile Smith Rowe having left the club in the transfer window.
Brighton capitalized on their numerical advantage in the second half, with Yankuba Minteh breaking through on goal.
Although David Raya saved his initial effort, Joao Pedro was on hand to slot home the rebound.
Brighton continued to press Arsenal deep into their own half, but a frantic end-to-end finish saw both sides come close to grabbing a winner.
Havertz had a one-on-one chance saved by Verbruggen, and Saka’s follow-up was blocked. Brighton almost stole the victory at the other end, with Raya making a crucial save from substitute Yasin Ayari.
In the final moments, Havertz set up Saka again, but his effort was comfortably held by Verbruggen.
Despite their late opportunities, Brighton couldn’t make their numerical advantage count, and Arsenal were left to rue two dropped points at home.
With echoes of last season, when they drew against Fulham at a similar stage and ultimately missed out on the title by just two points, this result could prove significant in the Gunners’ title ambitions.
