Arsenal’s hopes of maintaining their perfect start to the Premier League season were dashed on Saturday after a controversial red card for Declan Rice led to a 1-1 draw against Brighton at the Emirates Stadium.
Mikel Arteta’s side took the lead through Kai Havertz’s first-half strike, but the game’s turning point came after the interval when Rice was sent off for a second bookable offense.
The incident, which left both players and fans bewildered, saw Rice penalized for gently kicking the ball away and failing to retreat after fouling Brighton’s Joel Veltman.
The decision by referee Chris Kavanagh sparked outrage among the Arsenal faithful, who chanted “you’re not fit to referee” in response.
Arteta, visibly frustrated, sought an explanation from the fourth official, questioning the inconsistency of the decision.
“If it happens throughout the game in a consistent way it is fine, but it didn’t. It is the inconsistency,” Arteta said after the match. “We started the game really well.
We scored the goal, 1-0. We started the second half really good, but then there is the decision that changes the game completely.”
The Premier League later clarified that Rice was sent off for “delaying the restart,” a ruling that could not be overturned by VAR as it was a yellow card offense, not a straight red.
Brighton capitalized on their numerical advantage, equalizing through Joao Pedro in the 58th minute.
Dunk’s precise pass split the Arsenal defense, allowing Yankuba Minteh to race clear and force a save from David Raya, only for Pedro to slot home the rebound from close range.
The result marked the end of Arsenal’s 100 percent start to the season, following victories over Wolves and Aston Villa.
The draw leaves the Gunners facing an uphill battle as they aim to dethrone champions Manchester City.
Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler had a different view of the incident that led to Rice’s dismissal.
“First of all, he shoots the ball away, so it is a clear yellow card. It changes the momentum of the game,” Hurzeler said, defending the referee’s decision.
Brighton’s unbeaten run continues under Hurzeler, who has now overseen three matches without defeat, building on last weekend’s win over Manchester United.
In a subplot to the match, Arsenal’s new signing Raheem Sterling, who joined on loan from Chelsea, watched from the stands.
Although not registered in time to play, Sterling received a warm welcome from Arsenal fans when his name was announced at the stadium.
Despite the numerical disadvantage, Arsenal came close to regaining the lead late in the game.
Havertz’s low shot was saved by Brighton’s Bart Verbruggen, who also denied Bukayo Saka’s follow-up effort.
In the dying moments, Raya made a crucial save to keep out Yasin Ayari’s close-range shot, while Carlos Baleba blasted over the bar, ensuring Arsenal held on for a point.
Arsenal will now be without Rice, who is suspended for their next match—a crucial North London derby against Tottenham on September 15.
