Arenal 1-1 Brighton PLAYER RATINGS: Which Arsenal defender had a ‘tricky time’ against Brighton? And which Gunners ‘livewire’ helped Mikel Arteta’s ten men consolidate their point?
Arsenal were furious and drew 1-1 with Brighton in the Premier League after Declan Rice was sent off for two yellow cards.
Kai Havertz had coolly put the home side ahead in the 38th minute after Bukayo Saka had pushed Lewis Dunk away and guided the attacker through on goal.
But drama struck shortly after half-time when Rice, who had initially been booked for a hard foul on Joel Veltman, was sent off for delaying a free-kick, leading to a bizarre incident.
Fabian Hurzeler’s team took advantage of the superiority: Joao Pedro tapped in the rebound after David Raya had saved a shot from Yankuba Minteh.
Here, Post SportISAAN KHAN has rated both sets of players…
Joao Pedro’s equaliser earned Brighton a 1-1 draw at Arsenal in the Premier League
Kai Havertz (right) gave the home side the lead after good work from Bukayo Saka (centre)
Declan Rice was controversially sent off after being shown two yellow cards by Chris Kavanagh
ARSENAL (4-3-3)
DAVID RAYA-6.5
Handled the ball well in the box, especially in the air, and distributed it quickly up the pitch, opening up counter attacks for Arsenal.
BEN WIT – 6
Struggled to contain Kaoru Mitoma, midfielder enjoyed his flank. Did better at moving him away from threatening positions in second half.
WILLEM SALIBA – 6
A big gap between him and Gabriel in the build-up to Brighton’s goal was avoidable, but it did hold back the pressure waves from the opposition after Declan Rice’s red card.
William Saliba helped Arsenal withstand waves of pressure after Rice’s sacking
GABRIEL-6
The Brazilian’s failure to tackle Yankuba Minteh resulted in a rebound to Joao Pedro for Brighton’s goal, but, like Saliba, stood strong with just 10 men on the pitch after 49 minutes.
JURRIEN TIMBER – 6
Showed better signals in midfield than in one-on-one scenarios. Was pushed further out later in the game to help White deal with Mitoma.
MARTIN ODEGAARD - 6.5
Produced a sublime chip to almost set up Saka in the 8th minute. Fought bravely after an early knock. Should have come off earlier perhaps due to injury risk.
Martin Odegaard fought bravely after a knock, but probably should have left earlier
THOMAS PARTY – 6
Had a brainfade on 31 minutes – his mistimed pass back almost allowed Brighton to score – but looked good with the ball generally. Made some nice drives forward in the second half to get his team up the pitch.
DECLAN RICE – 6
His red card changed the game. Rice’s first yellow card was the right decision for a bad, thoughtless foul. The second, for delaying the restart, felt rather harsh. It certainly had a big impact on Brighton’s point.
Rice’s red card changed the game, but his second yellow card felt rather harsh
BUKAYO SAKA – 7
Arsenal’s energy source who created most of the moments of joy for his team. The winger’s hustle allowed him to get the ball and set up Havertz for his goal. He was quieter in the second half, but that’s to be expected with just 10 men.
Bukayo Saka created the best moments for the home side, but his influence disappeared in the second half
KAI HAVERTZ – 7
Produced a superb chipped finish to put Arsenal ahead. But really should have scored in the 74th minute when he found the net against the keeper. He will rue that miss.
Havertz produced a superb chipped finish but will rue his miss of a golden opening
LEANDRO TROSSARD-6
A mixed display, not up to the standard of his cameo against Aston Villa. His cross for Odegaard in the 18th minute should have resulted in a goal.
Substitutes
RICCARDO CALAFIORI – 6.5
Went well in the back despite the pressure. Made some good clearings around the area with a lot of bodies around it.
GABRIEL MARTINELLI: N/A
OLEKSANDR ZINCHENKO: N/A
MANAGER
Mikel Arteta-6
He couldn’t have prepared himself for losing Rice so soon in the match.
BRIGHTON (4-2-3-1)
BART VERBRUGGEN-6
Was in no man’s land for Havertz’s goal, but had to take action after Lewis Dunk’s mistake.
JOEL VELTMAN – 6
Gained more confidence with the extra player. Involved in the Rice incident that saw the Arsenal man sent off.
JAN PAUL VAN HECKE – 6.5
Brighton’s standout defender, often in the right place and ready for battle.
LEWIS DUNK – 5.5
His mistake led to Arsenal’s goal, which will be a disappointment for his team.
Lewis Dunk was outpaced by Saka in the build-up to the opening goal in North London
JACK HINSHELWOOD – 5.5
Saka disappointed him and confronted him with a number of ill-considered challenges.
JAMES MILNER-6
Played only 17 minutes due to injury.
CARLOS BALEBA-6
Solid all-round midfielder.
YANKUBA MINTEH – 6
Came back well and delivered a lot of energy.
JOÓN PEDRO – 8
Man of the match. Caused a lot of problems for the opposition and scored that crucial goal.
Pedro was on hand to tap the ball in after David Raya had saved Yankuba Minteh’s stabbing shot
KAORU MITOMA – 7
A threat to Arsenal throughout the match, leading Timber to team him with White.
DANNY WELBECK-6
He stayed in the game and was more active when the Gunners went down to 10 men.
Kaoru Mitoma was menacing down the right as Brighton secured an impressive point
Referee – Christopher Kavanagh: 5
Poor game from him. Struggled to get the game under control and let slip many incidents that were demonstrably fouls.