In the framework of the third day of the Premier League, Arsenal drew 1-1 against Brighton in an electrifying match played at the Emirates Stadium. However, beyond the result that temporarily elevated them to the top – both added seven points – the match generated special attention Declan Rice’s controversial expulsion in the first minutes of the second half.
In this sense, at the end of the comparison, Mikel Arteta y Bukayo Saka They fired at referee Chris Kavanagh, pointing out the “inconsistency” of his calls, a fact that resulted in them having to face nearly 50 minutes with one less man.
At the start of the 23/24 English league season, Arsenal had a perfect record after their victories against Wolverhampton and Aston Villa, both by the score of 2-0. The same way, Brighton also had six points in two games, after their victories against Everton (3-0) and Manchester United (2-1).. For this reason, the confrontation between both teams gathered high expectations to find out who would emerge as the exclusive leader.
The action started for the home team. With great dominance by the attacking duo of Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz, los Gunners They found the lead in the 38th minute thanks to a powerful lob shot from the German striker.
However, all the joy of the Londoners would change at the beginning of the second half. When Seagulls full-back Joel Veltman was about to take a free kick on Brighton’s right flank, when Declan Rice moved the ball slightly and ended up receiving a second yellow card that led to his expulsion in the 49th minute..
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The action generated immediate questions. Firstly, when he tried to hit the ball, Veltman delivered a hard kick to Rice’s shin, an act that was not even punished by the referee. On the other hand, the ball was clearly in motion, so it was not in play according to the rules. In addition, in the first half, striker Joao Pedro had thrown the ball wide when the home team was preparing to play a quick throw-in and that was not sanctioned either.
The controversial ruling, without a doubt, affected the red and white team, since at 58′, Joao Pedro took advantage of the numerical superiority to seal the final tie.
At the end of the meeting, Mikel Arteta He expressed his criticism of Kavanagh’s performancerecalling the actions of the Brighton players who did not receive the same punishment criteria. “We started the second half very well but the decision changed the game”began by saying the Basque coach. “No explanation, as always. If they[the referees’ decisions]happen consistently throughout the game, that’s fine. But they didn’t. The Brighton players did the same throughout the game. It’s the inconsistency. I had to give Veltman a red card too. If we play with 10, they had to do it too.”he assures.
Likewise, striker Bukayo Saka supported his coach’s statements. “I thought it was a bit harsh for us. We just want some consistency. Joao Pedro kicked the ball all the way to the middle of the pitch in the first half and got nowhere and Dec got the slightest touch and was sent off.”he added.
The North Londoners will have to quickly forget the controversial sending off of their midfielder if they want to stay on track for the top of the league, as they face Tottenham Hotspursits classic rival. In addition, Rice’s forced absence is not the only one: The Gunners will be without Mikel Merino, a signing from Real Sociedad, due to a shoulder injury in his first week of training.
2024-09-01 08:28:51