Arsenal and Brighton played to a 1-1 draw at the Emirates Stadium, marking the Gunners' first dropped points of the season. Arsenal controlled the first half, with Bukayo Saka setting up Kai Havertz, who chipped the ball over goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen to open the scoring in the 38th minute.

Despite Arsenal's lead, the match turned when Declan Rice received a second yellow card shortly after halftime for kicking the ball away during a quick free-kick, leaving Arsenal with ten men. This dismissal, the first red card of Rice's career, drew criticism from Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, who felt Brighton's Joël Veltman should have also been penalized for his role in the incident.

"I was amazed. Amazed, amazed, amazed because of how inconsistent decisions can be," he said. "In the first half, there are two incidents [where Brighton kicked the ball away] and nothing happens.

"Then, in a non-critical area, the ball hits Declan (on the back of his leg), he turns around, he doesn't see the player coming and he touches the ball.

"By law, he [the referee] can make that call, but then by law he needs to make the next call, which is red card so we play 10vs10. This is what amazed me. At this level it's amazing."

Brighton capitalized on their numerical advantage when Joao Pedro scored the equalizer in the 58th minute, tapping in a rebound after David Raya saved Yankuba Minteh's initial shot. The visitors dominated possession in the second half, putting pressure on Arsenal's defense, but both teams had opportunities to secure a winner.

Arsenal's Havertz and Saka forced Verbruggen into action, while Brighton's Raya made crucial saves, including one from substitute Yasin Ayari. Despite the extra man, Brighton struggled to convert their chances, with Georginio Rutter and Carlos Baleba both missing opportunities.

The match ended in a stalemate, leaving Arsenal with concerns ahead of their upcoming North London Derby against Tottenham, particularly with Rice suspended and Mikel Merino sidelined due to injury.