Arsenal’s bid to maintain their perfect start to the Premier League season was thwarted in a contentious 1-1 draw against Brighton at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday, where Declan Rice was sent off in controversial circumstances.
Mikel Arteta’s side took the lead in the first half through Kai Havertz, who scored his first goal for the club with a deft chip over Brighton keeper Bart Verbruggen after a clever assist from Bukayo Saka. The goal seemed to set Arsenal on course for their third consecutive win of the season, following victories over Wolves and Aston Villa.
However, the match took a dramatic turn after the interval when Rice, who had been pivotal in Arsenal’s midfield, was shown a second yellow card for delaying the restart of play. The incident occurred after Rice fouled Brighton’s Joel Veltman and gently kicked the ball away, prompting referee Chris Kavanagh to brandish the second yellow card. VAR was unable to intervene as it was not a straight red card, leaving Rice and the Arsenal bench bewildered by the decision.
Arteta, visibly frustrated on the touchline, sought clarification from the fourth official, while Arsenal fans expressed their discontent by chanting “you’re not fit to referee” at Kavanagh. Arteta later lamented the decision, saying, “If it happens throughout the game in a consistent way, it is fine, but it didn’t. It is the inconsistency.”
Brighton took advantage of the numerical superiority, equalizing in the 58th minute through Joao Pedro. Lewis Dunk’s excellent pass split the Arsenal defense, allowing Yankuba Minteh to sprint clear and fire a shot that was parried by Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya into the path of Pedro, who slotted home from close range. It was the first goal Arsenal had conceded this season, ending their hopes of maintaining a clean sheet record.
Despite the setback, Arsenal pushed forward in search of a winner. Havertz came close to doubling his tally but was denied by Verbruggen’s quick reflexes, while Saka’s effort moments later was also saved. In a tense finale, Arsenal had to rely on a vital save from Raya to deny Brighton substitute Yasin Ayari, while Carlos Baleba’s shot flew over the bar.
The draw saw Arsenal drop points for the first time this season, a setback in their pursuit of the Premier League title, a prize they last claimed in 2004. Rice’s absence will be felt in their next match, a north London derby against Tottenham on September 15, as he serves his suspension.
Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler offered a contrasting view to Arteta’s complaints, defending the decision to send off Rice. “First of all, he shoots the ball away so it is a clear yellow card, it changes the momentum of the game,” Hurzeler said. His Brighton side remain unbeaten after three games, having built on last weekend’s impressive win over Manchester United.
New Arsenal signing Raheem Sterling, 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 the Arsenal fans, who cheered when his name was announced at the stadium.
The result left Arsenal with much to ponder as they regroup over the international break, with Arteta needing to address the inconsistencies in officiating that have already impacted their early season form. For Brighton, the draw underscored their resilience and Hurzeler’s promising start at the helm, as they continue to build momentum in the Premier League.
With Rice’s red card and the resulting equalizer as key talking points, Arsenal will be eager to bounce back in their upcoming derby against Spurs, while Brighton look to maintain their unbeaten streak in the league.
