Declan Rice's sloppy sending off left Arsenal two points clear at the top of the Premier League as Brighton drew 1-1 at the Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal dominated the first half and after Martin Odegaard missed a golden opportunity to give the Gunners the lead, a fine effort from Bukayo Saka allowed Kai Havertz to score for Bad Verbruggen.
The Gunners went ahead in the first half despite Brighton having more possession, but their task was made more difficult when Rice, who had already been booked, blocked a quick free-kick in front of a swinging Joel Veltman, leading to a red card for Chris Kavanagh.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has criticised the inconsistency in decisions and believes Veltman should have been sent off for the same incident.
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Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was left frustrated with the 'inconsistency' of referees after Declan Rice was sent off against Brighton.
“If it happens consistently throughout the game, that's fine, but it didn't happen,” Arteta said. “There were a few instances in the first half where we kicked the ball away and nothing happened. That's why it's inconsistent.
“It's not a particularly important area, and if you make that decision, you have to show (Veltman) a red card. If we have to play with 10 men, they have to play with 10 men too. It's a red card for Veltman.”
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Mike Dean reacts to Declan Rice's controversial sending off in Arsenal's win over Brighton
It was Rice's first career red card and rules him out of the north London derby at Tottenham on September 15, live on Sky Sports. Arsenal have already lost Mikel Merino to a shoulder fracture in their summer midfield recruitment, while Fabio Vieira and Emile Smith Rowe have also left in the transfer market.
But Arsenal's concerns grew as Yankuba Minthe charged towards goal and, although David Raya had his first-time shot blocked, Joao Pedro slotted home the rebound.
Brighton's Joao Pedro celebrates after scoring his team's equaliser
Brighton kept Arsenal confined to their own penalty area for most of the second half, but a surprisingly close contest followed.
First, Havertz had a one-on-one chance on the counter that Verbruggen saved and Saka's rebound was blocked. Brighton almost had a goal at the other end when Raya denied substitute Yasin Ayari when the goal was wide.
Havertz passed the ball to Saka on another counter-attack but his shot was again blocked by the Brighton goalkeeper.
Brighton were stunned by Arsenal's chances and, despite the extra man, looked slightly more nervous. Georginio Rutter and Carlos Baleba both failed to capitalise on their advantage as they attacked hard.
Still, it meant Arsenal lost two points at home early in the season. The Gunners drew with Fulham at a similar stage in August last year and lost by two points in the league. How important could this draw be?
Key moment: Rice's exit card photo
Arsenal's Declan Rice thwarted Brighton's Joel Veltman with a quick free-kick.
Referee Christopher Kavanagh sent off Rice after showing him a second yellow card.
Rice pleads her innocence to the judge.
Arsenal's Declan Rice leaves the pitch looking dejected
How Rice's departure changed the momentum
Analysis: Arteta faces midfield crisis ahead of Spurs clash
Sky Sports' Sam Blitz at Emirates Stadium:
Arsenal's squad depth has been under pressure since Friday's transfer deadline, with seven players from last season offloaded and just four brought in. Mikel Arteta's squad is good but could be vulnerable in a pinch.
A sign of crisis.
Within 48 hours, Arsenal had lost their new signing. mikel merino A fractured shoulder sustained in his first training session at the club has left him out for weeks – and now Declan Rice After being suspended for sending Emile Smith Rowe and Fabio Vieira out, what's next? The North London derby at Tottenham.
Arteta will have to rely on: Thomas Party and Martin Odegaard With two of his three midfielders. Jorginho and Leandro Trossard Among the midfielders, he is next in line and moves the strikers. Kai Harbert Returning to the attacking midfielder role is also an option. Fellow forward Gabriel Jesus He is currently injured and unable to play as a backup for the German player.
Anyway, Havertz's early season form suggests he is at his best as a central striker. So is Arteta willing to risk weakening other areas of the pitch just to plug the gaps?
Should Mikel Arteta change Kai Havertz's position to fill the void in Arsenal's midfield?
There are untested options you can try. Oleksandr Zinchenko, Jurien Wood or Ben White – They all have experience as central midfielders. – And in that role too. But it's far from ideal.
In fact, the whole situation is far from ideal. Arsenal have already lost two points and are likely to be weakened by Tottenham next. Then there is Manchester City.
