Brighton rescue draw at Arsenal after controversial Rice red card

Joao Pedro rescued a point for Brighton as 10-man Arsenal’s 100% start to the new Premier League season came to an end following a 1-1 draw at Emirates Stadium.

The hosts broke the deadlock when Kai Havertz latched on to Bukayo Saka’s lovely through ball to coolly lob Bart Verbruggen on 38 minutes.

The Gunners had been the better side but suffered a setback five minutes into the second half when Declan Rice received a second yellow card for appearing to stop the visitors taking a quick free kick.

The incident transformed the complexion of the contest and just shy of the hour, The Seagulls made their man advantage tell when Joao Pedro tucked in the rebound after David Raya had thwarted Yankuba Minteh.

Both sides had chances to win it during a frenetic finale, but Havertz and Saka both failed to find the finish for the home team, while substitute Yasin Ayari fired straight at Raya for the visitors.

The result sees Brighton move top of the Premier League with seven points from three matches under new boss Fabian Hurzeler. Arsenal are second, behind The Seagulls on goals scored, ahead of the rest of the weekend’s action.

Next up, Arsenal face a stern test in the North London derby when they visit Tottenham on Sunday September 15 following the international break. Brighton host Ipswich a day earlier.

In terms of a turning point to completely switch the momentum of this football match, the Rice red card was massive.

Arsenal were in the box seat up until that juncture and while the decision seemed harsh, Rice’s attempt to try to block a quick free kick was obviously foolish.

The England midfielder had already been cautioned for a nasty, late lunge in the first half and Joel Veltman’s gamesmanship convinced the referee to act.

In hindsight, it not only cost his team the likelihood of three more points here, but also leaves them in a tough position following the international break.

Arsenal visit rivals Tottenham in the North London derby next and will be without the suspended midfielder, who is a key man defensively in such tricky away games.

Brighton did end this match strongly, but in a league where Manchester City force you to be almost perfect, Rice’s actions could well affect The Gunners both today and in a couple of week’s time.

Kai Havertz (Arsenal). The German now has 10 goal involvements in his last nine Premier League games at the Emirates and looked to have set his team on the path to another victory.

Even when his side were down to 10 men, he led the line superbly, almost nicking it with a fine solo run before teeing up Saka for a chance the winger could not convert.

ARSENAL: Raya 8, White 7, Saliba 7, Gabriel 7, Timber 7, Partey 7, Rice 3, Odegaard 7, Saka 8, Trossard 7, Havertz 8*. Subs: Calafiori 6, Martinelli 6, Zinchenko n/a

BRIGHTON: Verbruggen 8, Hinshelwood 6, Dunk 7, Van Hecke 7, Veltman 7, Baleba 7, Minteh 7, Milner 5, Mitoma 6, Welbeck 6, Pedro 8. Subs: Ayari 7, Rutter 6, Estupinan 6, Enciso n/a, Adingra n/a.

38’ – GOAL! – Arsenal 1-0 Brighton: (Kai Havertz). Bukayo Saka somehow nudges Dunk out of his way to turn on to a high ball and release Havertz, who races clear and coolly lobs the goalkeeper.

50’ – ARSENAL RED CARD! Declan Rice gets a second yellow for kicking the ball away after a coming together with Veltman. That looked harsh.

58’ – GOAL! – Arsenal 1-1 Brighton: (Joao Pedro). Joao Pedro gobbles up the rebound after Raya had made a fine stop to keep out Minteh’s low strike.

75’ – ARSENAL CHANCE! Havertz somehow turns on to a long ball with a sublime touch to surge clear, but his low shot is magnificently kept out by Verbruggen’s foot.