Arsenal hangs on to 1-1 draw with Brighton, Declan Rice sees first Premier League red card
Declan Rice was controversially sent off for the first time in his Premier League career as Arsenal drew 1-1 with Brighton on Saturday, August 31.
Arsenal, led by Mikel Arteta, were ahead thanks to Kai Havertz’s goal in the first half. However, Rice received a red card after the break at the Emirates Stadium. The dismissal happened after Rice was shown a second yellow card for lightly kicking the ball away and not moving back quickly enough after fouling Brighton’s Joel Veltman.
Rice seemed confused by the decision, and Arteta questioned the fourth official while Arsenal fans chanted “you’re not fit to referee” at Chris Kavanagh. The Premier League explained that Rice was sent off for “delaying the restart,” and VAR couldn’t intervene since it was a yellow card rather than a straight red.
Brighton capitalized on Rice’s absence and equalized with a goal from Joao Pedro, ending Arsenal’s perfect start to the season. Arsenal had won their first two games against Wolves and Aston Villa, but this draw was their first setback in their quest to win the title for the first time since 2004.
Arsenal will miss Rice for their next game after the international break, a north London derby against Tottenham on Sunday, September 15.
Arteta expressed frustration about the red card decision, saying, “If it happens throughout the game in a consistent way it is fine but it didn’t. It is the inconsistency.” He added, “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.”
Brighton’s manager, Fabian Hurzeler, had a different view: “First of all he shoots the ball away so it is a clear yellow card, it changes the momentum of the game.”
Hurzeler’s Brighton team has been impressive, staying unbeaten in their last three games following a win over Manchester United last weekend.
New Arsenal signing Raheem Sterling, who joined from Chelsea on transfer deadline day, watched from the stands. Sterling, who wasn’t registered in time to play, was greeted warmly by Arsenal fans when his name was announced in the stadium.
In the early minutes, Bukayo Saka caused trouble for Brighton’s Jack Hinshelwood with his speed, creating two shots that Brighton’s goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen saved. Havertz, who faced criticism for his low goal tally last season, scored in the 38th minute with a clever chip over Verbruggen after a slick pass from Saka.
Rice was initially only booked for a challenge on Veltman, which led to Hurzeler receiving a yellow card for protesting. However, Rice’s red card came in the 49th minute after he kicked the ball away and didn’t move back before a Brighton free-kick.
Pedro scored the equalizer in the 58th minute after Dunk’s great pass allowed Minteh to shoot. David Raya saved Minteh’s shot, but Pedro scored from close range.
This was the first goal Arsenal had conceded this season, but they nearly regained the lead when Havertz’s shot was saved by Verbruggen, and Saka’s sliding effort was also stopped. In the closing moments, Raya made a key save against Yasin Ayari and Carlos Baleba missed a chance as 10-man Arsenal held on to the draw.
