Arteta hoping to avoid a repeat of last meeting

MIKEL Arteta hopes history does not repeat itself when Arsenal face Brighton after Declan Rice’s red card in last year’s fixture left him “very p***** off”.

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Arsenal host Brighton at the Emirates today bidding to keep their Premier League title charge on track, with Manchester City breathing down their necks.

Indeed, Pep Guardiola's side could be one point clear at the top of the table if they see off Nottingham Forest at the City Ground prior to Arsenal's contest against the Seagulls.

Last season, Rice was sent off after he received a second yellow card for delaying a restart.

Arsenal were leading 1-0 before Rice’s controversial dismissal but ended up dropping two points in a 1-1 draw.

“I remember it very well,’ said Arteta as he reflected on the fixture.