Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is keen to avoid a repeat of last season’s Declan Rice red card when the Premier League leaders host Brighton & Hove Albion at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.
The Gunners hold a slender two-point lead over second-placed Manchester City, with Pep Guardiola’s side able to move one point clear at the summit should they beat Nottingham Forest at the City Ground before Arsenal face the Seagulls.
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Last season’s corresponding fixture ended in frustration for Arsenal after Rice was sent off for a second yellow card for delaying a restart. The Gunners were leading 1-0 at the time of the dismissal but were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw.
“I remember it very well,” Arteta said while reflecting on the match. “I was very pissed off with the manner in which we played with 10 men, so hopefully it is going to be very different next time.
Rice’s dismissal was one of six red cards Arsenal received in the Premier League last season, but the North London side have yet to have a player sent off in the league this term.
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