Declan Rice’s clumsy pink card value Arsenal two factors on the prime of the desk as Brighton got here from behind to attract 1-1 on the Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal managed the primary half and after Martin Odegaard missed a golden probability to offer the Gunners the lead, Bukayo Saka’s sensible play arrange Kai Havertz to chip Bart Verbruggen for the opener.
The Gunners took that lead into the break, regardless of Brighton having extra of the primary half possession, however their job turned more durable when Rice – already on a reserving – stopped a fast free-kick in entrance of Joel Veltman and was given his marching orders by Chris Kavanagh.
It was Rice’s first profession pink card and places him out of the north London derby at Tottenham on September 15, stay on Sky Sports activities. Arsenal have already got summer season midfield signing Mikel Merino out with a fractured shoulder, having let Fabio Vieira and Emile Smith Rowe additionally go away within the window.
However Arsenal’s issues turned extra rapid when Yankuba Minteh burst by on aim, and whereas David Raya saved his preliminary effort, Joao Pedro tucked residence the rebound.
Brighton’s Joao Pedro celebrates after scoring his aspect’s equaliser (AP Photograph/Alastair Grant)
Brighton had Arsenal penned into their very own penalty space for many of the second half however then a surprising end-to-end encounter ensued.
First, Havertz noticed a one-on-one probability on the counter saved by Verbruggen and Saka’s rebound was blocked. Brighton almost scored on the different finish as Raya saved from substitute Yasin Ayari when the aim was gaping.
Havertz then laid the ball on for Saka on the different finish in one other counter-attack however his effort was held by the Brighton goalkeeper as soon as once more.
Brighton had been shocked by these flurry of Arsenal possibilities and had been a bit extra tense regardless of the additional man. Georginio Rutter and Carlos Baleba each blazed over as they did not make the benefit depend.
Nonetheless, it meant two dropped factors at residence for Arsenal early within the season. The Gunners drew towards Fulham at an identical stage final August and misplaced the league by two factors. How necessary might this draw be?
Extra to observe…
The large second: Rice’s pink card in footage
Arsenal’s Declan Rice obstructed Brighton’s Joel Veltman at fast free-kick
Rice is shipped off by referee Christopher Kavanagh after receiving a second yellow card
Rice protests his innocence with the referee
Arsenal’s Declan Rice leaves the pitch in dejection
How Rice’s pink card brought about a momentum shift
