On Saturday afternoon, Arsenal’s winning start to the new Premier League season came to an end as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Brighton at the Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal were the dominant side in the first half, and deservedly went ahead via a clever Kai Havertz finish before the break.
However, the game changed completely early in the second half when Declan Rice was controversially sent off for prodding the ball away as the Seagulls prepared to take a free kick.
The incident has sparked plenty of debate. Gary Lineker and Danny Murphy were at odds over referee Chris Kavanagh’s decision. Meanwhile, Chelsea legend John Terry firmly defended Rice.
The former West Ham United man’s dismissal gave the visitors a boost, though, and they bagged an equaliser less than ten minutes after he had been given his marching orders.
Mikel Arteta’s side could not find a winner and will now head into the international break already two points behind the pace being set by Manchester City.
How Mikel Arteta will feel after Arsenal vs Brighton
Match of the Day pundit Murphy is convinced that the Spanish coach will focus on the positives that he can take from this fixture.
He said: “I think when they wake up in the morning they’ll be really pleased with how they performed for 40 minutes against a good Brighton side. Defended really well, put their bodies on the line, looked fit, looked sharp, broke away and had two really good chances. He will be proud of the team.”
These dropped points will come as a blow to Arsenal, but they remain unbeaten so far this season, and will feel that they proved that they had the better of Brighton whilst they still had eleven players on the pitch.
Arsenal will have midfield depth tested
With Rice now suspended and summer signing Mikel Merino injured, Arteta has a huge midfield problem to address when his side take on bitter rivals Tottenham Hotspur in the North London Derby after the international break.
Havertz could drop deeper, alongside Martin Odegaard, but he has impressed up front so far this season, and what’s more, Jesus may not be fit to face Spurs.
Thomas Partey and Jorginho could join Odegaard in the midfield trio, but that setup would lack attacking impetus. Alternatively, the manager could take a huge risk by bringing talented teenager Ethan Nwaneri into the starting XI for the first time.
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