Mikel Arteta managed to hold his tongue after Declan Rice’s contentious red card, writes ISAAN KHAN, but the midfielder’s absence will be felt in the upcoming north London derby

Once Mikel Arteta had used the word ‘amazed’ three times to describe his reaction to Declan Rice’s sending off, you wondered if he was about to wander off script.

Since his ‘disgrace’ rant at Newcastle last November, the Arsenal manager has been careful when reacting to decisions which have not gone his way.

On Saturday, it was not the same Arteta as at St James’ Park — there, you could feel the Spaniard’s rage — yet Rice’s second yellow card irked him.

It had contributed to Arsenal dropping two points, yes, but just as importantly, it means the £105million man misses their next league match — the derby against Tottenham. 

The first yellow card, on 42 minutes, was for a poor challenge on Joel Veltman. A correct decision by referee Chris Kavanagh. The second one was highly contentious.

Now Mikel Arteta must look for an alternative in his midfield for the north London derby

Rice had nudged the ball away from Veltman as he tried to take a quick free-kick. Technically, it fell within the remit for another yellow, but Joao Pedro had not been cautioned for booting the ball away in the first half. No wonder Arteta pleaded for ‘consistency’.

Nevertheless, it leaves Arsenal without Rice and new signing Mikel Merino, who suffered a suspected fractured shoulder just two days after his arrival, for the trip to Spurs.

A threadbare Arsenal midfield changes the balance. Rice’s prowess at mopping up in front of the backline is well-known, but he also operates like a No 8 in midfield, with the ability to bulldoze through opposition lines.

Jorginho has the credentials to fill the role, but it would be difficult for him to hit the ground running after no game time this season. An alternative is playing Jurrien Timber in midfield. Whatever Arteta does, Rice’s absence will be felt.