Arsenal’s hopes of maintaining their perfect start to the Premier League season were dealt a blow on Saturday as they were held to a contentious 1-1 draw against Brighton, following the controversial sending off of Declan Rice at the Emirates Stadium.
Mikel Arteta’s side took the lead through Kai Havertz’s first-half goal, but the match took a dramatic turn after the break when Rice received a second yellow card in unusual circumstances.
The Arsenal midfielder was booked for kicking the ball away and failing to retreat after a foul on Brighton’s Joel Veltman, a decision that left Rice visibly stunned and Arteta questioning the fourth official.
Arsenal fans voiced their displeasure, chanting “you’re not fit to referee” at Chris Kavanagh.
The Premier League later clarified that Rice was dismissed for “delaying the restart,” with VAR unable to intervene as it was not a straight red card.
Brighton capitalized on their numerical advantage, with Joao Pedro netting the equalizer in the 58th minute, bringing an end to Arsenal’s winning streak in their bid to reclaim the title for the first time since 2004.
Arsenal, who had started the season with victories over Wolves and Aston Villa, now face a challenging period without the suspended Rice, beginning with a North London derby against Tottenham on September 15.
Reflecting on the red card, Arteta criticized the inconsistency of the decision, stating, “If it happens throughout the game in a consistent way, it is fine, but it didn’t.
It is the inconsistency. We started the game really well. We scored the goal, 1-0. We started the second half really good, but then there is the decision that changes the game completely.”
In contrast, Brighton’s manager, Fabian Hurzeler, supported the referee’s decision, saying, “First of all, he shoots the ball away, so it is a clear yellow card. It changes the momentum of the game.”
Arsenal’s new signing, Raheem Sterling, who joined on loan from Chelsea, watched from the stands as he was not registered in time to feature in the match.
Sterling received a warm welcome from Arsenal fans when his name was announced at the stadium.
The Gunners began the game strongly, with Bukayo Saka causing early problems for Brighton’s defense. Saka’s pace and movement opened up opportunities, but Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen was equal to the challenge.
Havertz, who had faced criticism after a disappointing season with Chelsea, silenced some of his critics by breaking the deadlock in the 38th minute with a composed chip over the on-rushing Verbruggen, following a clever flick from Saka.
However, the turning point came in the 49th minute when Rice was dismissed after his challenge on Veltman, which led to a series of chaotic moments that saw Brighton take control.
Pedro’s equalizer came after David Raya pushed a shot into his path, allowing him to slot home from close range.
Arsenal had chances to retake the lead, with Havertz and Saka both denied by Verbruggen in a frantic finale. Despite being reduced to 10 men, Arsenal managed to hold on, but the result leaves them with much to ponder as they head into the international break.
AFP
