Arsenal vs Brighton LIVE: Premier League result and final score after Declan Rice controversially sent off
Arsenal 1-1 Brighton: The game turned on Rice’s red card as Joao Pedro equalised for the visitors
Arsenal dropped crucial points in the Premier League as Brighton claimed a draw at the Emirates following Declan Rice’s controversial red card.
With new signing Raheem Sterling watch on from the stands following his loan from Chelsea, Kai Havertz broke the deadlock with a lobbed finish before half-time
But Arsenal’s advantage was lost as Rice was sent off for a second yellow card after half time, as the midfielder kicked the ball away when Brighton’s Joel Veltman prepared to take a free-kick.
The Seagulls then equalised as Joao Pedro fired into an empty net after David Raya saved from Yankuba Minteh.
Both sides had chances to extend their winning starts to the season, with Havertz and Bukayo Saka missing golden opportunities on the counter-attack, while Raya had a big save to deny Yasin Ayari.
Follow all the action in the live blog below:
Arsenal 1-0 Brighton
53 mins
Brighton are looking to take advantage straight away but it’s good defending from Arsenal to make two consecutive blocks before the ball rolls to Raya.
It doesn’t look as if Arteta is preparing a sub yet.
Arsenal 1-0 Brighton
51 mins
Well, it’s the ‘letter of the law’ say the commentators, but that seems harsh. It’s not like Rice booted the ball away – that sort of nudge is rarely, if ever, given a yellow.
Arsenal have a fight on their hands now!
Arsenal 1-0 Brighton
48 mins
RED CARD!
Rice concedes the free-kick deep into the Brighton half, but there’s an incident here as the England man is suddenly down on the floor.
As Veltman lined up to take the free-kick, Rice nudged the ball away and Veltman followed through on the midfielder.
And Rice has been red carded! Chris Kavanagh shows him a second yellow and he’s off down the tunnel!
Bizarre.
KICK-OFF! Arsenal 1-0 Brighton
46 mins
Arsenal get us back underway and they’re on the attack straight away, with Rice hammering a cross across the face of goal, and it’s cleared for a corner.
Rice delivers the corner too, and it finds its way to Gabriel, who heads wide.
HALF-TIME: Arsenal 1-0 Brighton
Both sides have emerged back onto the Emirates pitch, so we’re moments away from the second half.
Will Arsenal take advantage of their lead, or can Brighton claw their way back into it?
HALF-TIME: Arsenal 1-0 Brighton
Just when Arsenal needed a clinical finish, Kai Havertz provided it: the Gunners had lost some of their flow after a strong start to the half but the German made the most of his opening and kept cool to lob Bart Verbruggen.
Havertz continues to look more and more comfortable as Arsenal’s No 9 with each passing game. With that goal, he’s now scored 11 in the Premier League since the turn of the year, to go with seven assists. Only Cole Palmer and Erling Haaland have more.
HALF-TIME: Arsenal 1-0 Brighton
A great half from an Arsenal perspective. The Gunner started well and were creating chance after chance, and even when their momentum faded after repeated breaks in play, they managed to find a goal.
A little fortunate, but great play from Saka and such a calm finish from Havertz.
For Brighton, it’s been a frustrating half overall. They’ve been limited to half-chances by the Arsenal defence, and will be irritated that they didn’t manage to hold out at lev el terms until half-time.
But Fabian Hurzeler will know his side can hurt any team if it all clicks.
HALF-TIME: Arsenal 1-0 Brighton
48 mins
There’ll be a late chance for Brighton as Pedro is pulled down by Partey near the box. The Ghanaian is booked, too.
Hinshelwood to take – it’s fizzed in but cleared by Gabriel.
Seconds later, the referee blows the whistle for half-time.
Arsenal 1-0 Brighton
46 mins
There’ll be four minutes of added time at the end of the half.
Almost a chance for the home side as they win possession near the Brighton box. Saka shifts it to Trossard, whose flick into the path of Havertz is cut out at the last moment.
Moments later, the Belgian cuts in and rifles a shot straight at Verbruggen.
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