For Mikel Arteta, this was a timely reminder of just how fine the margins can be at the top. With his side leading thanks to Kai Havertz’s sublime lob, the Arsenal manager could have been forgiven for thinking they were on their way to a third comfortable victory in a row to start the new campaign after securing the surprise loan signing of Raheem Sterling from Chelsea on deadline day.
Yet four minutes of the second half had been played when disaster struck as Declan Rice was sent off for a bizarre moment when he tangled with Brighton’s Joël Veltman as he tried to take a free-kick. Jõao Pedro went on to equalise for Brighton as they kept pace with Arsenal and maintained their unbeaten record despite both sides having their chances to claim all three points late on.
