Declan Rice set to miss key game for Arsenal after sending off against Brighton, it could cost Mikel Arteta

Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice was sent off for Brighton & Hove Albion and will now miss a key game for the Gunners.

Mikel Arteta’s side are hoping to win their first Premier League title since the invincible 2003/04 season under Arsene Wenger and Arsenal will be hoping that this season will be the campaign that they finally lift the title in May.

However, Arsenal dropped two points after Declan Rice was sent off against Brighton & Hove Albion due to allegedly kicking the ball away.

Brighton’s Joao Pedro equalised during the second half to give the Seagulls a valuable point against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.

Declan Rice set to miss key game for Arsenal

With Rice sent off against Brighton, this means that the Arsenal ace is set to miss the North London derby after the international break which is a huge blow.

During the victory over Wolves on the opening day of the season, Mikel Arteta hailed Rice’s performance against the Black Country side.

“He was cramping a bit. He hasn’t had the longest pre-season ever, but he’s really trying and he put in an unbelievable performance again today,” said Arteta.

Rice completed 26 passes for Arsenal against Wolves but against Brighton, the Englishman was the victim to a rather bizarre refereeing decision as the North London side could now fall two points behind Manchester City as we head into the international break.

Missing Rice against Tottenham Hotspur will be huge as the English midfielder has proven himself in the biggest games for the Gunners.

Declan Rice absent could be devastating for Arsenal

Arsenal have Bukayo Saka, who is one of the best wingers in the Premier League who has consistently scored key goals at key times for the Gunners.

However, for the team to function, a midfielder like Rice has been vital for the Gunners with the former West Ham United ace being a key man for the Gunners defensively and offensively with the Englishman playing as a number eight.

Missing Rice against Tottenham will be a big blow and Arsenal simply have to win against Ange Postecoglou’s side.