The Gunners played in the early game today against a tough Brighton and Hove Albion side. Fabian Hürzeler has done a fantastic job since taking charge of the club, and his side made life difficult for Mikel Arteta’s men.
However, Bukayo Saka sent Kai Havertz through on goal late in the first half, and the German found the back of the net with a really impressive finish to give Arsenal the lead.
Just a few minutes after the break, Rice was shown a second yellow card, and the game turned on its head.
Bukayo Saka’s message ahead of Arsenal vs Tottenham clash
Arsenal had some tough moments in the game against Brighton before the red card, but they never really seemed at risk of losing.
However, everything changed in the 49th minute of the game.
Rice got his toe on the ball just before Joel Veltman tried to boot it away, and the Brighton man ended up kicking the Arsenal midfielder.
Everyone at the Emirates was expecting some sort of action on Veltman, but it was Rice who was given his marching orders.
However, the bigger blow is the fact that Rice will be suspended for Arsenal’s trip to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium after the international break.
Despite that, Saka issued a confident five-word response when asked about the derby. “We’ll be ready for them,” he said on TNT Sports.
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What can Tottenham expect in the North London Derby now?
Nothing had to happen in Arsenal’s game today to hype Tottenham up for the derby, but seeing Rice get suspended will be viewed positively on the other side of North London.
Arsenal are much weaker without the Englishman in the middle of their park, and that is a big boost for Spurs, who will love to use that to their advantage.
Mikel Arteta has a few options now. He can either bring Jorginho into the side and push Partey to the number eight position, or bring Havertz back to midfield and start either Leandro Trossard or Gabriel Jesus up top.
Irrespective of what Arteta does, Tottenham should fancy their chances of getting one over Arsenal now.
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