Arsenal’s summer transfer window concluded with the exciting acquisition of Raheem Sterling, but their on-field performance left much to be desired.
Mikel Arteta’s side struggled to maintain their perfect Premier League start, dropping points against a resilient Brighton side. Despite taking the lead through Kai Havertz, the Gunners were pegged back and had to settle for a draw.
A Tough Game for the Gunners
The match against Brighton was anything but straightforward for Arsenal. Kai Havertz’s 38th-minute lob seemed to put the Gunners on course for another routine victory.
Declan Rice's red card .. He was already on a yellow .. Deserved or not ? pic.twitter.com/wAs2B8kG16
— Jasper Ziggle 🥷🇬🇭 🇺🇸 (@JasperZiggle) August 31, 2024
However, the game took a dramatic turn when Declan Rice received a second yellow card, leaving Arsenal with ten men.
This uncharacteristic error from Rice marked his first red card in 245 Premier League appearances and proved costly as Brighton capitalized to equalize through Joao Pedro.
Setbacks and Injuries Pile Up
Arsenal’s problems were compounded with injuries to key players. Declan Rice’s suspension means he’ll miss the crucial North London Derby against Tottenham, while new signing Mikel Merino is sidelined with a shoulder injury as reported by Sportsbuddy.
Additionally, there are concerns over Jurrien Timber and Martin Odegaard, who both limped off during the match.
As Arsenal’s title aspirations take a hit, Arteta will need to rally his squad to bounce back in the coming fixtures.
