ESPN FC’s Luis Miguel Echegaray and Janusz Michalik criticized the controversial second yellow card given to Declan Rice, labeling it as “disastrous.”
The anxiety surrounding Arsenal’s squad depth was expected to subside with the closing of the Premier League summer transfer window on Friday. The recent loan arrival of Raheem Sterling from Chelsea had many Arsenal fans feeling optimistic about the team’s options under manager Mikel Arteta. However, after Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Brighton & Hove Albion, concerns over midfield depth resurfaced, especially with a challenging week ahead.
Following an international break, Arsenal faces a crucial seven-day stretch including a north London derby against Tottenham Hotspur, a Champions League match against Atalanta, and a Premier League clash with Manchester City. New signing Mikel Merino is unlikely to participate in any of these matches due to a fractured shoulder sustained in training, while Rice is suspended after a contentious red card, marking the first of his career after 245 league matches.
The incident leading to Rice’s dismissal occurred after a tackle on Joël Veltman just before half-time. As play resumed, Rice interfered with Veltman’s attempt to restart the game, a move that resulted in the referee issuing a second yellow card after Rice’s earlier caution. Though it was clarified that Rice had “delayed the restart,” this explanation raised questions about consistency, especially in light of similar actions previously taken without punishment in the same match.
Post-match, Arteta expressed disbelief at the officiating, noting how inconsistent decisions can significantly impact the game. He pointed out that similar incidents in the first half went unpunished, suggesting that if one should warrant a card, then the other should too.
Brighton capitalized on the situation just minutes after Rice’s expulsion, with João Pedro scoring to equalize after Kai Havertz had opened the scoring earlier in the match. Despite being a man down, Arsenal regrouped and created opportunities, with Havertz and Bukayo Saka coming close to restoring their lead, but Brighton maintained control and finished with a point.
Arteta acknowledged the team’s struggles with ten men but emphasized their efforts to readjust and saw potential for a better outcome. Defensively, Jurriën Timber’s late substitution for cramp provided a silver lining, indicating no serious injury, and he might be considered for future midfield roles.
The upcoming international break is expected to shape Arsenal’s strategy moving forward, allowing Sterling to acclimatize to the team environment without the pressure of international duties. Arteta indicated that Sterling could quickly integrate into the squad as they prepare for a critical series of matches.
As Arsenal navigates the challenges of missing key players, Arteta remains focused on adapting and utilizing the strength of the squad. However, concerns regarding depth will likely linger as the season progresses.