Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta voiced his dissatisfaction with what he viewed as uneven officiating following Declan Rice’s contentious dismissal against Brighton. Arteta criticized the referees for not applying consistent standards to Brighton players for similar offenses. Rice received a second yellow card from referee Chris Kavanagh early in the second half for delaying the restart of play, according to a Premier League confirmation. At the time, Arsenal led 1-0, but Brighton equalized with a goal from Joao Pedro, ultimately resulting in a 1-1 draw.
This match was significant for several reasons: it marked Rice’s first career red card, the first goal Arsenal conceded this season, and the first time Arsenal dropped points this campaign. Additionally, Rice’s red card means he will miss Arsenal’s upcoming North London Derby against Tottenham, scheduled after the international break.
In a post-match interview with TNT Sports, Arteta did not conceal his frustration. He criticized the lack of clarity surrounding Rice’s red card, noting that it is a persistent issue. “If bookings for delaying the restart are applied consistently, that’s acceptable, but they weren’t. It’s the inconsistency,” Arteta stated. When asked if the officials provided any explanation, Arteta replied, “None, as usual.”
Arteta reflected on the game, saying, “We started well and scored first, leading 1-0. We began the second half positively, but then the decision changed the game completely.” He believed that Rice’s red card was a pivotal moment that shifted the game’s momentum in Brighton’s favor.
Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler, however, did not see any controversy regarding the red card. “Firstly, he kicked the ball away, so it was a clear yellow card. It altered the game’s momentum,” Hurzeler told Match of the Day.
Despite losing their perfect start, Arsenal remains unbeaten in the league. Kai Havertz scored to give them a halftime lead, but Joao Pedro equalized about an hour into the match. Both teams had chances to win, with Havertz being thwarted by a save from Bart Verbruggen and Brighton’s record signing Georginio Rutter missing a late header. The game ended in a 1-1 draw, leaving both teams with seven points from nine.
Hurzeler commented on the draw, saying, “In the end, being one man up, you always aim to win. We had our chances, but Arsenal also had two significant opportunities.”
With the international break approaching, both teams will have a chance to recover and prepare. Arsenal will be without Rice for their next match, the North London Derby, due to his suspension, while Brighton will face newly promoted Ipswich at home on September 14.
