Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has urged his side to avoid a repeat of last season’s costly dismissal when they host Brighton at the Emirates on Saturday.
Arteta recalled his frustration after Declan Rice was sent off in last year’s fixture for delaying a restart. Arsenal were leading 1‑0 at the time but Rice’s red card — one of six Arsenal received in the Premier League last term — saw them reduced to 10 men and eventually held to a 1‑1 draw.
“I remember it very well,” Arteta said. “I was very p* off in the manner that we played with 10 men, so hopefully it is going to be very different next time. I think the rules are different now. We paid a big price with that rule. Hopefully that stays away and we continue to play with 11 players.”
This season, Arsenal sit at the top of the fair play table, having avoided any dismissals so far.
The Gunners could be boosted by the return of Kai Havertz, who has been sidelined since the opening game following knee surgery. Havertz resumed training last week and was close to making the squad for the Carabao Cup win over Crystal Palace.
Arteta added: “He was quite close and it will be a matter of days. He is a player we have missed a lot and brings another dimension to the team. I will be very happy to have him back soon.”
Meanwhile, Gabriel Martinelli faces a late fitness test after picking up a knee injury against Palace, while defender Gabriel Magalhães is nearing a return from a thigh problem but will miss the Brighton clash.
With Manchester City potentially going top if they beat Nottingham Forest earlier in the day, Arsenal know victory over Brighton is crucial to keep their Premier League title charge on track.
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