An incensed 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 coolly dinked the hosts in front on 38 minutes after Bukayo Saka shrugged off Lewis Dunk and threaded the forward through on goal.
But drama struck shortly after the half-time restart with Rice, first booked for a heavy challenge on Joel Veltman, dismissed for delaying a free-kick in a bizarre incident.
Fabian Hurzeler’s side duly capitalised on their man advantage with Joao Pedro tucking home a rebound after David Raya parried out Yankuba Minteh’s effort.
Here, Mail Sport‘s ISAAN KHAN has rated both sets of players…
Joao Pedro’s equaliser secured Brighton a 1-1 draw at Arsenal in the Premier League
Kai Havertz (right) dinked the hosts in front after good work 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
Handled the ball well in the box, particularly in the air, and distributed it down field quickly. That opened up attacks on the counter for Arsenal.
BEN WHITE – 6
Had a tricky time trying to contain Kaoru Mitoma, the midfielder having much joy on his flank. Did better at marshalling him away from threatening positions in the second half.
WILLIAM SALIBA – 6
A big gap between him and Gabriel in the build-up to Brighton’s goal was avoidable. But did withhold the waves of pressure from the opposition after the sending off of Declan Rice.
William Saliba helped Arsenal withhold waves of pressure after Rice’s dismissal
GABRIEL – 6
The Brazilian’s failure to tackle Yankuba Minteh resulted in the ball rebounding to Joao Pedro for Brighton’s goal. But, like Saliba, stood strong with just 10 men on the pitch after 49 minutes.
JURRIEN TIMBER – 6
Showed better signs when in midfield than in one-vs-one scenarios. Was pushed out further wide later in the game to help White deal with Mitoma.
MARTIN ODEGAARD – 6.5
Produced a sublime chip to nearly set up Saka after eight minutes. Battled on bravely from an early knock. Should arguably come off the pitch earlier due to the injury risk.
Martin Odegaard battled on bravely after a knock but should arguably have come off earlier
THOMAS PARTEY – 6
Had a brain fade on 31 minutes – his errant pass backwards nearly allowing Brighton to score – though looked good on the ball overall. Made some nice drives forward in the second half to get his team up the pitch.
DECLAN RICE – 6
His sending off changed the game. Rice’s first yellow was the correct decision after a poor, rash challenge. The second, for delaying the restart, felt rather harsh. It certainly had a major impact on Brighton earning a point.
Rice’s red card changed the game but his second yellow card felt rather harsh
BUKAYO SAKA – 7
The Arsenal livewire who created his side’s most moments of joy. The winger’s hustle allowed him to latch on to the ball and provide Havertz with his goal. Was quieter in the second half, but that is expected with just 10 men.
Bukayo Saka created the hosts’ best moments but his influence faded in the second half
KAI HAVERTZ – 7
Produced a great chipped finish to put Arsenal ahead. But really should have scored on 74 minutes as he made it on goal against the goalkeeper. He will be ruing that miss.
Havertz produced a great chipped finish but will rue his miss from a golden opening
LEANDRO TROSSARD – 6
A mixed display, not to the heights of his cameo against Aston Villa. His cross for Odegaard on 18 minutes should have resulted in a goal.
Substitutes
RICCARDO CALAFIORI – 6.5
Slotted in well at the back in the face of pressure. Made some good clearances around the area with many bodies around.
GABRIEL MARTINELLI: N/A
OLEKSANDR ZINCHENKO: N/A
MANAGER
Mikel Arteta – 6
He could not have prepared for losing Rice so soon into the game.
BRIGHTON (4-2-3-1)
BART VERBRUGGEN – 6
Was stuck in no man’s land for the Havertz goal, but had to act after Lewis Dunk’s error.
JOEL VELTMAN – 6
Grew in confidence with having the extra player. Involved in the Rice incident which saw the Arsenal man sent off.
JAN PAUL VAN HECKE – 6.5
Brighton’s standout defender. Found himself in the right place often and was up for the battle.
LEWIS DUNK – 5.5
His error led to the Arsenal goal which will disappoint his side.
Lewis Dunk was outstripped by Saka in the build-up to the opening goal in north London
JACK HINSHELWOOD – 5.5
Found himself exposed by Saka and resulted in a few rash challenges.
JAMES MILNER – 6
Only played 17 minutes due to injury.
CARLOS BALEBA – 6
Solid all round midfield display.
YANKUBA MINTEH – 6
Tracked back well and provided much energy.
JOAO PEDRO – 8
Man of the match. Caused the opposition much problems and got that vital goal.
Pedro was on hand to tap home after David Raya parried out Yankuba Minteh’s stinging shot
KAORU MITOMA – 7
A threat to Arsenal all the way through and caused Timber to double up him on with White.
DANNY WELBECK – 6
Kept in the game and came more into it as the Gunners went down to 10 men.
Kaoru Mitoma threatened down the right-hand side as Brighton secured an impressive point
Referee – Christopher Kavanagh: 5
A poor game from him. Struggled to control the match and let many incidents, which were arguably fouls, slide.
