Declan Rice's clumsy red card cost Arsenal two points at the top of the table as Brighton came from behind to draw 1-1 at the Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal controlled the first half and after Martin Odegaard missed a golden chance to give the Gunners the lead, Bukayo Saka's brilliant play set up Kai Havertz to chip Bart Verbruggen for the opener.
The Gunners took that lead into the break, despite Brighton having more of the first half possession, but their job became harder when Rice - already on a booking - stopped a quick free-kick in front of Joel Veltman and was given his marching orders by Chris Kavanagh.
It was Rice's first career red card and puts him out of the north London derby at Tottenham on September 15, live on Sky Sports. Arsenal already have summer midfield signing Mikel Merino out with a fractured shoulder, having let Fabio Vieira and Emile Smith Rowe also leave in the window.
But Arsenal's concerns became more immediate when Yankuba Minteh burst through on goal, and while David Raya saved his initial effort, Joao Pedro tucked home the rebound.
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