Arsenal vs Brighton LIVE: Premier League result and final score after Declan Rice controversially sent off | OneFootball

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Mikel Arteta bemoans 'inconsistency' after Declan Rice's red card in Arsenal draw

Arsenal dropped crucial points in the Premier League as Brighton claimed a draw at the Emirates following Declan Rice’s controversial red card.

With new signing Raheem Sterling watch on from the stands following his loan from Chelsea, Kai Havertz broke the deadlock with a lobbed finish before half-time

But Arsenal’s advantage was lost as Rice was sent off for a second yellow card after half time, as the midfielder kicked the ball away when Brighton’s Joel Veltman prepared to take a free-kick.

The Seagulls then equalised as Joao Pedro fired into an empty net after David Raya saved from Yankuba Minteh.

Both sides had chances to extend their winning starts to the season, with Havertz and Bukayo Saka missing golden opportunities on the counter-attack, while Raya had a big save to deny Yasin Ayari.

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Arsenal face title race pressure already after Declan Rice’s moment of madness

In a Premier League title race of inches, Arsenal and Declan Rice may have already handed Manchester City a huge advantage. It’s only August, but there was an edge in the air at the Emirates long before Rice’s controversial red card in this 1-1 draw against Brighton, with additional heat to the post-match fury as Mikel Arteta reflected on a thunderous afternoon that was far more “emotional” than usual for this early stage of the season.

After losing out on the Premier League title by two points last season, Arsenal know how perfect you have to be to beat Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City to the title. And this was an opportunity missed, with crucial points dropped already, as Arsenal squandered their winning position so needlessly. Rice’s sending off - his first in the Premier League in 245 appearances - changed the game after Kai Havertz’s fine lob handed Arsenal a deserved lead before half time.

Arsenal face title race pressure already after Declan Rice’s moment of madness

Arsenal 1-1 Brighton: An ‘emotional’ afternoon for the Gunners brought dropped points after Rice’s controverial red card

Jamie Braidwood31 August 2024 16:14

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FT Arsenal 1-1 Brighton

The points are shared at the Emirates Stadium:

Mike Jones31 August 2024 16:00

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Arteta speaking to MOTD

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta, speaking to MOTD: “Overall when we played against 11 v 11 we deserved to win the game and 11 v 10 we deserved to win the game. We lost two points.”

Giving his thoughts on sending off, he added: “I was amazed. In the first half when the opponents did that they didn’t get any booking. He makes the call by law in a non critical area of the pitch when the ball hit the heel when turning around, to make that decision. By law he can do it but be consistent. If that is the case they should have a man sent off and then it is 10 v 10.

“Amazing, the team and the reaction of the crowd [after going a man down]. We created two big chances one v one and we should have won the game.”

Mike Jones31 August 2024 15:36