Brighton's João Pedro brings Arsenal within one point after Declan Rice's sending off | Premier League

For Mikel Arteta, this was a timely reminder of how tight the margins can be at the top. With his side leading thanks to Kai Havertz's sublime lob, the Arsenal The manager could have been forgiven for thinking they were on course for a third comfortable win in a row to start the new campaign after securing the surprise loan signing of Raheem Sterling from Chelsea on deadline day.

However, it was four minutes into the second half when disaster struck: Declan Rice was sent off for a bizarre mistake when he collided with Brighton's Joel Veltman as he attempted to take a free-kick. Jõao Pedro equalised for Brighton, who kept pace with Arsenal and maintained their unbeaten record despite both teams having chances to take all three points in the dying minutes.

But it was Rice's second yellow card and then a red, the first of his career. Premier League Referee Chris Kavanagh left the pitch to boos from the home fans and many questions from a furious Arteta for failing to control a tight contest.

There was an extra loud ovation before kick-off when Sterling’s name was announced alongside Arsenal’s other new signings Mikel Merino and goalkeeper Neto. Arteta had hoped Merino, the Spanish midfielder, could have been on the bench until he suffered an unfortunate shoulder injury during his first training session on Thursday, but he had to settle for a seat in the stands alongside Sterling, who did not register in time to take part.

Several of Brighton's new arrivals have also been sidelined, with Turkey defender Ferdi Kadioglu ruled out after picking up an injury in training on Friday. That meant Jack Hinshelwood continued to play at left-back and needed a pep talk from Fabian Hürzeler after 15 minutes of being run over by Bukayo Saka when a dejected James Milner was forced to limp off.

With new midfield signings Matt O'Riley and Mats Wieffer also on the treatment table after joining this summer, Brighton have had to turn to replacement Yasin Ayari to fill the void alongside fellow 20-year-old Carlos Baleba, who together are two years older than Milner.

The visitors managed to establish their rhythm after the early tempest and an attack started by Baleba ended with Kaoru Mitoma's volley just off the post. But they had no one to blame but themselves for going down seven minutes before the break. Lewis Dunk was too careless in dealing with a ball expected forward and crouched rather than headed it in. Saka sensed his chance, turned back and then passed to Havertz for a brilliant lofted finish over Bart Verbruggen.

Hürzeler's frustrations increased shortly afterwards when he was booked for protesting that Rice's lunge at Veltman should have resulted in a harsher punishment than a yellow card.

Hinshelwood then had to parry Rice's shot away after a lovely, flowing back-heel move from Jurrien Timber as Arsenal came out strongly after the break.

The England midfielder's afternoon took a dramatic turn when he was sent off after receiving a second yellow card. Veltman had been awarded a free-kick but Rice subtly kicked the ball away and Veltman kicked it at the same time. Kavanagh ruled that only the Arsenal midfielder deserved a booking for obstruction.

The home fans were understandably upset and their mood towards the officials only worsened when Dunk redeemed himself from his mistake by sending a through ball through the centre of the Arsenal defence to Yankuba Minteh. His shot was saved but Pedro pounced on the rebound – the first goal Arsenal have conceded this season.

Arteta's response was to bring on Riccardo Calafiori and switch to a back five, but Martin Ødegaard was unable to find a chance for the Italian defender as he made a blistering run down the left flank. Brighton continued to press, although Verbruggen stuck out his leg to prevent Havertz scoring before Saka failed to convert another decent chance on the counter-attack.

Substitute Georginio Rutter and Baleba both fired over late on, after Gabriel blocked the latter's shot with his stomach. But Arsenal held firm and at least had the consolation of a point in a game they looked destined to win, even though Everyone wants to rule the world. It was an interesting choice of tune from the stadium announcer as Arteta headed down the tunnel in search of an explanation from Kavanagh.