An outraged Arsenal were held to a 1-1 draw by Brighton in the Premier League after Declan Rice was controversially sent off for two yellow cards.
Kai Havertz had calmly put the hosts ahead in the 38th minute after Bukayo Saka shook off Lewis Dunk and set up the forward through on goal.
But drama came shortly after the half-time restart when Rice, who had been initially booked for a harsh foul on Joel Veltman, was sent off for delaying a free-kick in a bizarre incident.
Fabian Hurzeler’s side took advantage of their numerical advantage when Joao Pedro converted a rebound after David Raya deflected Yankuba Minteh’s shot.
Here, Sports mailISAAN KHAN has rated both groups of players…
Joao Pedro’s equaliser secured Brighton a 1-1 draw at Arsenal in the Premier League
Kai Havertz (right) put the hosts ahead after a fine move from Bukayo Saka (centre)
Declan Rice was controversially sent off after being booked twice by Chris Kavanagh
ARSENAL (4-3-3)
DAVID RAYA-6.5
He handled the ball well in the area, especially in the air, and distributed it quickly around the field, allowing Arsenal to attack on the counterattack.
Ben White – 6
He struggled to contain Kaoru Mitoma, the midfielder having a lot of fun on his flank. In the second half, he was better at keeping him out of threatening positions.
Guillermo Saliba – 6
The gap between him and Gabriel in the build-up to Brighton’s goal was avoidable, but it stemmed the opposition’s waves of pressure following Declan Rice’s dismissal.
William Saliba helped Arsenal stem the tide of pressure following Rice’s dismissal
GABRIEL-6
The Brazilian failed to bring down Yankuba Minteh and the ball rebounded off Joao Pedro to slot home Brighton’s goal. But, like Saliba, he stood firm with just 10 men on the pitch after 49 minutes.
JURRIEN WOOD – 6
He showed better results in midfield than in one-on-one situations. Later in the game, he was moved out wide to help White deal with Mitoma.
MARTIN ODEGAARD - 6.5
He produced an excellent pass that almost set up Saka after eight minutes. He fought back bravely after an early knock. He should arguably have left the field earlier due to the risk of injury.
Martin Odegaard fought bravely after a knock, but arguably should have come off earlier.
THOMAS PARTEY-6
He had a mental lapse in the 31st minute (his errant back pass almost allowed Brighton to score), but generally looked good on the ball. In the second half, he made some good runs forward to help his team move up the pitch.
DECLAN RICE – 6
His sending off changed the game. Rice’s first yellow card was the right decision after a reckless foul. The second, for delaying the restart, was quite harsh. It certainly had a big impact on Brighton getting the point.
Rice’s red card changed the game, but his second yellow card was pretty harsh.
BUKAYO SAKA – 7
The Arsenal player who created his team’s most joyous moments. His hustle and bustle allowed him to win the ball and set up Havertz for the goal. He was calmer in the second half, but that’s to be expected with only ten men.
Bukayo Saka created the hosts’ best moments, but his influence faded in the second half.
KAI HAVERTZ-7
He produced a great curling finish to put Arsenal ahead, but should actually have scored in the 74th minute when it was crossed by the goalkeeper. He will regret that mistake.
Havertz produced a great shot but will regret his mistake in a golden opening.
LEANDRO TROSSARD – 6
A mixed performance, which did not live up to his performance against Aston Villa. His cross to Odegaard in the 18th minute should have resulted in a goal.
Substitutes
RICCARDO CALAFIORI-6.5
He adapted well to defending under pressure. He made some good clearances in the box with a lot of players around.
GABRIEL MARTINELLI: Not applicable
OLEKSANDR ZINCHENKO: Not applicable
MANAGER
Mikel Arteta-6
He couldn’t have prepared for losing Rice so early in the game.
Brighton (4-2-3-1)
BART ABUSE – 6
He was caught in no man’s land before Havertz’s goal but had to act after Lewis Dunk’s error.
Joel Veltman – 6
He gained confidence by having an extra player. He was involved in the Rice incident that ended with the Arsenal player being sent off.
Jan Paul Van Hecke – 6.5
Brighton’s standout defender. He was always in the right place and always ready for battle.
LEWIS DUNGEON – 5.5
His mistake led to Arsenal’s goal, which will disappoint his team.
Lewis Dunk was outplayed by Saka in the build-up to the opening goal in north London
JACK HINSHELWOOD-5.5
He found himself exposed by Saka and it resulted in some rash challenges.
JAMES MILNER-6
He only played 17 minutes due to injury.
CARLOS BALEBA-6
Solid display throughout the midfield.
MINTEH YANKUBA – 6
He came back well and provided a lot of energy.
JOHN PETER – 8
Man of the match. He caused a lot of problems for his opponents and got that vital goal.
Pedro was on hand to score the goal after David Raya deflected Yankuba Minteh’s powerful shot.
KAORU MITOMA – 7
A threat to Arsenal throughout the match which prompted Timber to support him alongside White.
Danny Welbeck – 6
He stayed in the game and became more involved as the Gunners went down to 10 men.
Kaoru Mitoma threatened down the right flank as Brighton secured an impressive point
Referee – Christopher Kavanagh: 5
He played a mediocre game. He had trouble controlling the game and let many incidents go by, which could be considered fouls.
