Rice was sent off early in the second half after receiving a second yellow card for preventing Joel Veltman from taking a quick free kick.
The decision left Arsenal with ten men, giving Brighton the momentum to equalize shortly after Kai Havertz had put the Gunners ahead with a first-half goal. Joao Pedro scored the equalizer for Brighton by pouncing on a rebound.
Arteta’s anger stemmed from what he perceived as an inconsistency in Kavanagh’s decisions. He argued that Pedro should also have been sent off for a similar offense earlier in the match, when the Brighton forward kicked the ball away during the first half. Speaking after the game, Arteta did not hide his frustration, stating: “I was amazed. Amazed, amazed, amazed at how inconsistent decisions can be. In the first half, there are two incidents and nothing happens.
Then, in a non-critical area, the ball hits Declan on the back of his leg, he turns around, doesn’t see the player coming, and he touches the ball.
By law, he can make that call, but then by law, he needs to make the next call, which is a red card, so we play 10 vs. 10. This is what amazed me. At this level, it’s amazing.”
While Arteta’s frustration was understandable given the circumstances, it was evident that his mood was influenced by the loss of two valuable points in a match Arsenal was expected to win.
Despite being a man down, Arsenal still managed to create better chances, but Bukayo Saka, who was otherwise outstanding, was unable to find a way past Brighton’s goalkeeper, Bart Verbruggen, who had a stellar game.
The red card for Rice means he will be suspended for Arsenal’s next match, a crucial north London derby against Tottenham.
This setback is compounded by the fact that Arsenal will also be without new signing Mikel Merino, who is sidelined due to injury.
Reflecting on the challenges of playing such an important fixture without two of his key midfielders, Arteta remarked, “Well, this is what happens.
We have to adapt to that context. That’s why we have other players who can fulfill that role, and it gives me an opportunity to give someone else a chance.”
Arteta’s comments underscore his frustration with the referee’s decisions and his determination to adapt to the evolving circumstances of his team’s situation.
