Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was left perplexed by the decision to award Brighton a penalty in Saturday's 1-1 draw with the Gunners.
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Arsenal drop points against BrightonSeagulls equalise from penalty spotArteta baffled by spot-kick decisionFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Arsenal's title hopes suffered another blow as the Gunners were held to a 1-1 draw by Brighton. Ethan Nwaneri had put Arsenal in front but a penalty from Joao Pedro rescued a point for the Seagulls. The spot-kick was awarded after William Saliba was penalised for a foul when he tried to nod the ball away but connected with Pedro instead. The incident was checked by VAR and a penalty awarded, leaving Arteta baffled by the decision.
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Arteta told : "Bizarre. That means we have probably never seen it before. I haven't in my career. So it is a new one."
He went on to add in a second interview with : "We are really disappointed with the decision that leads to the goal because I have never seen something like this in my life. He touches the ball as well."
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Arsenal fans were left furious by the decision to award the penalty and there's no doubt it was a costly goal to concede. The Gunners now sit five points behind Liverpool but have played two games more than the Reds. Arne Slot's side are due to take on struggling Manchester United next on Sunday, although the game may be postponed as heavy snow is forecast in the area ahead of the match at Anfield.
Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR ARSENAL
Arsenal now switch their focus away from the Premier League and to the domestic cups. The Gunners take on Newcastle on Tuesday in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final and then host Manchester United in the third round of the FA Cup.