🚨BREAKING NEWS: coming from Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal bottled their first Emirates draw for the season as arsenal were held to a 1:1 draw by stubborn Brighton. Ian Wright has called arsenal player sloopy after a horrible performance against Brighton. A crazy game with an agonising ending. Ian Wright slams player after sluggish performance.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta expressed frustration with the officiating following Declan Rice’s controversial red card in their match against Brighton. Arteta criticized referee Chris Kavanagh for applying inconsistent standards, as Rice was dismissed for delaying the restart of play—an infraction that Arteta felt was not consistently punished throughout the game. The red card came early in the second half, with Arsenal leading 1-0 at the time. Brighton later equalized through Joao Pedro, resulting in a 1-1 draw.

This match was notable for several reasons: it marked Rice’s first career red card, Arsenal’s first conceded goal of the season, and their first dropped points. The suspension means Rice will miss Arsenal’s upcoming North London Derby against Tottenham.

Arteta, speaking to TNT Sports, criticized the lack of clarity and consistency from officials. “If bookings for delaying the restart are given consistently throughout the game, that’s fine, but they weren’t. It’s the inconsistency,” he said. He also noted that he received no explanation from the officials regarding the decision.

Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler, however, saw no issue with the red card. “First of all, he shoots the ball away, so it is a clear yellow card. It changes the momentum of the game,” Hurzeler said.

Despite losing their perfect start, Arsenal remains unbeaten in the league. They had a lead from Kai Havertz’s goal, but Joao Pedro’s equalizer meant the match ended in a draw. Both teams had late chances, with Havertz’s effort saved by Bart Verbruggen and Georginio Rutter missing a header for Brighton.

With the international break approaching, Arsenal will have to adjust without Rice, while Brighton will face Ipswich at home on September 14.