Arsenal player ratings vs Brighton: Declan Rice sees red for first time as sharp David Raya helps salvage draw | OneFootball

Gunners midfield in the spotlight after dramatic clash as Thomas Partey frustrates and Martin Odegaard also struggles after an early knock

Arsenal dropped points in the Premier League for the first time this season as they were held to a draw by Brighton.

But Declan Rice was sent off shortly after the break for a second yellow card and that allowed Brighton to hit back.

Joao Pedro scored the equaliser and, despite Havertz having a great chance to win it late on, the points were shared.

Simon Collings was at Emirates Stadium to see Arsenal in action...

David Raya 8 | Star player

Unlucky with the goal as he made a good save to deny Yankuba Minteh, but Pedro scored the rebound. Made a brilliant reflex save to keep out Yasin Ayari. Dealt well with crosses.

Ben White 6

Had a tough afternoon against Kaoru Mitoma, who was really bright all game. Unable to get forward as much as he usually does.

William Saliba 7

Fairly solid performance, helping Arsenal cope when down to 10 men. Had one, great marauding run forward in the second half.

Gabriel 7

Solid for most of the game, except for the Brighton goal - when he and Saliba were suddenly exposed. Made some big blocks late on.

Jurrien Timber 7

Another good performance from the Dutchman, who looks like he is the first choice at left-back now. Went off injured though.

Martin Odegaard 6

Took a few kicks early on and never looked quite right after that. Struggled to get into the game and influence it like he can.

Thomas Partey 5

A frustrating performance. Fluctuated from doing a great piece of skill and then being sloppy on the ball.

Declan Rice 5

Sent off for two yellow cards. The second felt very harsh, with the midfielder judged to have kicked the ball away just before Joel Veltman took a free-kick. Suspended for the north London derby now.

Bukayo Saka 7

Was really bright early on and gave Jack Hinshelwood a torrid time. Set up Havertz’s goal by stealing the ball off Lewis Dunk.

Kai Havertz 7

Took his goal really well by dinking the ball over Bart Verbruggen from outside the box. Missed a great chance late on, though.

Leandro Trossard 6

Didn't have the best of afternoons against his old club. Created one great chance in the first half with a cross for Odegaard, but largely quiet.

Substitutions

Riccardo Calafiori (Trossard 59’) 6

Came on at left-back as Arsenal went to five at the back. Steady performance.

Gabriel Martinelli (Odegaard 73’) N/A

Oleksandr Zinchenko (Timber 80’) N/A

Subs not used: Setford, Kiwior, Lewis-Skelly, Jorginho, Salah-Eddine, Nwaneri