‘I thought’… Bukayo Saka delivers his honest verdict on controversial Declan Rice Arsenal red card vs Brighton

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Arsenal suffered a frustrating result as they drew 1-1 at home to Brighton, but they were down to 10 men for most of the game.

Kai Havertz sent Arsenal into the lead with an excellent finish, but Declan Rice was sent off at the start of the second half.

Arsenal fans were furious at referee Chris Kavanagh as Rice was sent off for a second yellow card, which was controversial to say the least.

Rice picked up a fair yellow card for a reckless tackle in the first half, but the second was hugely controversial. Brighton defender Joel Veltman rolled the ball at Rice, who moved the ball slightly with a little flick, before Veltman lashed out at him, and somehow Rice was sent off.

Arsenal then conceded through Joao Pedro, who committed a worse offence to Rice’s earlier in the game, then held out for the draw as both sides had several chances to snatch a winner.

One of these chances fell to Bukayo Saka, but his shot went straight to the goalkeeper after he attempted to finish at full stretch after a cross from Havertz, and he has now admitted his frustration at the red card decision.

Bukayo Saka gives verdict on Declan Rice red card in Arsenal draw

Speaking after the game, Saka highlighted the lack of consistency applied in refereeing decisions throughout the match.

“I thought it was a bit harsh for us. We just want some consistency,” Saka stated.

“Joao Pedro booted the ball halfway across the pitch in the first half and got nothing for it and Dec got the slightest touch and was sent off.

“It is what it is, I don’t want to put the whole game on the referee as we still had chances to win it.”

Despite the dropped points, Saka remained optimistic that Arsenal are on the right track.

“It has been a good start. Today is a disappointment but it is a long season.”

Bukayo Saka delivered another strong performance in Arsenal draw

Despite the result and the red card, Saka can be proud of his performance, as he was unstoppable at times.

Saka terrorised Brighton left-back Jack Hinshelwood, speeding past him if he wasn’t there at times, and also provided an excellent assist for Havertz’s goal, outmuscling Lewis Dunk before playing a sublime pass forward.

The 22-year-old has now notched up three assists in three games this season, and it is set to be another productive campaign from the Arsenal winger.