Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is determined to avoid a repeat of Declan Rice’s red card against Brighton, hoping for a better outcome at the Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is eager to put last season’s controversy behind him as his team faces Brighton at the Emirates Stadium. The Gunners are currently top of the Premier League, just two points ahead of Manchester City, and Arteta is keen to ensure his team doesn’t drop points.

Last season, Declan Rice was sent off after receiving a second yellow card for delaying a restart, and Arsenal ended up drawing 1-1. Arteta was “very pissed off” with the result and is hoping for a better outcome this time around.

“I remember it very well,” Arteta said. “I was very pissed off in the manner that we played with 10 men, so hopefully it is going to be very different next time.”

Arteta also mentioned that the rules have changed since then, and he’s hoping Arsenal can avoid similar situations. Rice’s red card was one of six Arsenal received last season, but they’ve yet to have a player sent off this term.

Kai Havertz could return for Arsenal, having missed the first match of the season due to knee surgery. Arteta said Havertz is close to making the squad and will be a welcome addition to the team.

Gabriel Martinelli will face a late fitness test after suffering a knee injury against Palace, but Arteta is optimistic about Havertz’s chances of playing.