Liam Duckstein
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is determined to ensure there is no repeat of last season’s frustrations when his side welcome Brighton & Hove Albion to the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.
The Gunners head into the weekend sitting two points clear at the top of the Premier League, but that advantage could be wiped out before kick-off. Manchester City travel to Nottingham Forest earlier in the day, and a win for Pep Guardiola’s side would see them leapfrog Arsenal and move one point clear.
Arteta Still Frustrated by Rice Red Card
Last season’s clash with Brighton remains fresh in Arteta’s memory, largely due to Declan Rice’s controversial red card. The England international was dismissed after receiving a second yellow card for delaying a restart, a decision that proved costly.
Arsenal were leading 1-0 at the time but were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw after playing with ten men for a significant portion of the match.
“I remember it very well,” Arteta admitted. “I was very p*ssed off with the manner that we played with 10 men, so hopefully it’s going to be very different next time.
“I think the rules are different now. We paid a big price for that rule. Hopefully that stays away, and we continue to play with 11 players.”
Rice’s dismissal was one of six red cards Arsenal picked up in the Premier League last season, but discipline has improved notably, with the Gunners yet to see a player sent off in the league this campaign.
Havertz Close to Return, Martinelli a Doubt
Arteta also provided positive team news ahead of the Brighton fixture, with Kai Havertz edging closer to a return. The 26-year-old has not featured since Arsenal’s opening league match after undergoing surgery on his right knee.
Havertz returned to training last week and was close to being involved in Tuesday’s League Cup win over Crystal Palace, which Arsenal secured via a penalty shoot-out.
“He was quite close, and it will be a matter of days,” Arteta said. “Let’s see how he responds to the next step, but he is a player that we have missed a lot and one who brings another dimension to the team. I will be very happy to have him back soon.”
There is, however, a concern over Gabriel Martinelli. The Brazilian winger will face a late fitness test after picking up a knee issue against Crystal Palace, with Arteta expected to make a final call closer to kick-off.
With the title race already heating up, Arsenal know there is little margin for error. Arteta will be demanding not just three points against Brighton, but a controlled, disciplined performance that shows his side have learned from last season’s costly mistakes.