Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta expressed his frustration with what he considered inconsistent refereeing by Chris Kavanagh after Declan Rice received a red card, which played a part in Brighton’s comeback during a heated 1-1 draw.
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.
This decision left Arsenal with ten men, allowing Brighton to gain momentum and equalize shortly after Kai Havertz had put the Gunners ahead with a first-half goal.
Joao Pedro scored the equalizer for Brighton by capitalizing on a rebound.
Arteta’s frustration stemmed from what he saw as inconsistency in Kavanagh’s decisions, arguing that Pedro should have been sent off for a similar offense earlier in the match when the Brighton forward kicked the ball away during the first half.
After the game, Arteta didn’t hide his displeasure, 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.”
Arteta’s frustration was clearly influenced by the loss of two valuable points in a match Arsenal was expected to win.
Despite being down to ten men, Arsenal still created better chances, but Bukayo Saka, who otherwise performed excellently, couldn’t get past Brighton’s goalkeeper, Bart Verbruggen, who had an outstanding game.
Rice’s red card means he will be suspended for Arsenal’s next match, a crucial north London derby against Tottenham.
This setback is further compounded by the absence of new signing Mikel Merino, who is sidelined with an injury.
Reflecting on the challenges of facing such an important fixture without two key midfielders, Arteta said, “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 highlight his frustration with the referee’s decisions and his determination to adapt to the challenges facing his team.
