In a highly anticipated lunchtime match, Arsenal and Brighton & Hove Albion faced off at the Emirates Stadium with the goal of defending their undefeated Premier League records.
After a goal from Kai Havertz gave Arsenal the lead in the first half, the game ended in a 1-1 tie. Joao Pedro’s goal in the second half gave Brighton a response and levelled the score.
There was a lot of talk leading up to the game about Arsenal maybe signing Ivan Toney before the transfer window closed.
Arsenal had to settle for their current attacking options as Toney signed with Al-Ahli, despite the club apparently being in the market for a new striker. Havertz’s second Premier League goal of the year allayed some of the sceptics’ worries that Arsenal really needed to add more strikers to the lineup.
But Arsenal had significant injury worries after the game, especially with regard to Martin Odegaard, their captain. Despite feeling uncomfortable, he played through the incident in the first half. The club will probably be keeping a close eye on this scenario, especially given Arsenal’s thin bench and the inexperienced and youthful Ethan Nwaneri serving as their only backup.
There were several controversial moments during the game, most involving calls made by referee Chris Kavanagh. One such instance included Brighton’s Lewis Dunk appearing to handball after blocking a shot from Ben White that appeared headed for the goal.
No penalty was given despite what appeared to be a handball, and this decision added to the game’s mounting drama. It was shown on BT Sport and much discussed on social media.
Declan Rice of Arsenal was given a second yellow card by Kavanagh, which heightened the controversy. After fouling Joel Veltman in the first half, Rice was already given a booking.
Rice was given a second yellow card for what was believed to be a deliberate attempt to delay the start of play by kicking the ball away.
Many, however, believed that this was an unduly harsh ruling because Rice hardly touched the ball, which was already close to his feet when Veltman looked to kick through him forcefully.
Indeed, there were compelling grounds that Veltman ought to have been shown the red card. It was unclear if Rice’s ejection was justified because of his careless challenge and lack of desire to play the ball. The fact that the ball wasn’t even in play at the moment made interpreting the event even more difficult.
Commentators and fans engaged in a great deal of debate over these contentious choices. Many believed that Veltman should have received a harsher penalty for his behaviour, especially considering the circumstances surrounding the foul.
The event brought controversy to an otherwise intensely competitive game and brought attention to the Premier League’s continuing discussions around officiating and decision-making consistency.
The game showed both clubs’ tenacity and resolve in continuing their quest for league glory in spite of the controversial calls.
