An incensed Arsenal were held to a 1-1 draw by Brighton in the Premier League after Declan Rice was controversially sent off for two yellow cards.

Kai Havertz had coolly dinked the hosts in front on 38 minutes after Bukayo Saka shrugged off Lewis Dunk and threaded the forward through on goal.

But drama struck shortly after the half-time restart with Rice, first booked for a heavy challenge on Joel Veltman, dismissed for delaying a free-kick in a bizarre incident.

Fabian Hurzeler's side duly capitalised on their man advantage with Joao Pedro tucking home a rebound after David Raya parried out Yankuba Minteh's effort.

Here, Mail Sport's ISAAN KHAN has rated both sets of players...

ARSENAL (4-3-3)

DAVID RAYA - 6.5

Handled the ball well in the box, particularly in the air, and distributed it down field quickly. That opened up attacks on the counter for Arsenal.

BEN WHITE - 6

Had a tricky time trying to contain Kaoru Mitoma, the midfielder having much joy on his flank. Did better at marshalling him away from threatening positions in the second half.

WILLIAM SALIBA - 6

A big gap between him and Gabriel in the build-up to Brighton's goal was avoidable. But did withhold the waves of pressure from the opposition after the sending off of Declan Rice.

GABRIEL - 6

The Brazilian's failure to tackle Yankuba Minteh resulted in the ball rebounding to Joao Pedro for Brighton's goal. But, like Saliba, stood strong with just 10 men on the pitch after 49 minutes.

JURRIEN TIMBER - 6

Showed better signs when in midfield than in one-vs-one scenarios. Was pushed out further wide later in the game to help White deal with Mitoma.

MARTIN ODEGAARD - 6.5

Produced a sublime chip to nearly set up Saka after eight minutes. Battled on bravely from an early knock. Should arguably come off the pitch earlier due to the injury risk.

THOMAS PARTEY - 6

Had a brain fade on 31 minutes - his errant pass backwards nearly allowing Brighton to score – though looked good on the ball overall. Made some nice drives forward in the second half to get his team up the pitch.

DECLAN RICE - 6

His sending off changed the game. Rice's first yellow was the correct decision after a poor, rash challenge. The second, for delaying the restart, felt rather harsh. It certainly had a major impact on Brighton earning a point.

BUKAYO SAKA - 7

The Arsenal livewire who created his side's most moments of joy. The winger's hustle allowed him to latch on to the ball and provide Havertz with his goal. Was quieter in the second half, but that is expected with just 10 men.

KAI HAVERTZ - 7

Produced a great chipped finish to put Arsenal ahead. But really should have scored on 74 minutes as he made it on goal against the goalkeeper. He will be ruing that miss.

LEANDRO TROSSARD - 6

A mixed display, not to the heights of his cameo against Aston Villa. His cross for Odegaard on 18 minutes should have resulted in a goal.

Substitutes

RICCARDO CALAFIORI - 6.5

Slotted in well at the back in the face of pressure. Made some good clearances around the area with many bodies around.

GABRIEL MARTINELLI: N/A

OLEKSANDR ZINCHENKO: N/A

MANAGER

Mikel Arteta - 6

He could not have prepared for losing Rice so soon into the game.

BRIGHTON (4-2-3-1)

Verbruggen 6; Veltman 6 (Estupinan 72mins, 6), Van Hecke 6.5, Dunk 5.5, Hinshelwood 5.5; Milner 6 (Ayari 17), Baleba 6; Minteh 6 (Rutter 72, 6), Pedro 7.5, Mitoma 7 (Adingra 85); Welbeck 6 (Enciso 85)

Goal: Pedro 58

Booked: Pedro, Minteh

MANAGER

Fabian Hurzeler - 6

Referee - Christopher Kavanagh: 5

A poor game from him. Struggled to control the match and let many incidents, which were arguably fouls, slide.