'I've never seen that in my life': Mikel Arteta rages over controversial penalty as Arsenal drop points to give Liverpool title push
Arsenal were stuck in their quest to catch up with Premier League leaders Liverpool after a 1-1 draw at Brighton.
Ethan Nwaneri scored a historic goal for the gunners to open the scoring, but the hosts equalized in controversial circumstances.
William Saliba and Joao Pedro had a clash of heads midway through the second half, and the latter earned a penalty for Brighton.
It seemed accidental, but referee Anthony Taylor's on-field decision stood after a VAR check.
“The referee's sanction for a foul by Saliba on Joao Pedro was checked and confirmed by the VAR, which considered that there was enough contact to sanction a penalty,” reported the Premier League match center.
Pedro then beat David Raya into the Arsenal net to equalize and Mikel Arteta revealed his disappointment with the decision.
“We lost too many balls in the second half and we are very disappointed with the penalty,” he told Sky Sports.
“I've never seen that in my life, and Saliba touches the ball. (It wasn't one) For me, no.”
Arsenal's run of three consecutive wins in the Premier League has come to an end with the draw at Brighton.
They remain second in the Premier League standings, but have missed a great opportunity to close the gap on the leaders. Liverpool.
Five points separate them at the top of the table and the Reds have two games in hand, starting against Manchester United on Sunday.
Speaking about Arsenal's title chances, Arteta also said: “We wanted to win and we couldn't do it.
4
4
“We are very disappointed with the (penalty) decision. Apart from that, we will try to improve and prepare for the next game.”
If Liverpool were to win their two extra games, they could have an 11-point lead over Arsenal.
The Gunners' next three league games will test their mettle in early 2025 as they continue their title challenge.
A home clash against north London rivals Tottenham is followed by a visit to Aston Villa, a trip to Wolves and then Manchester City at the Emirates Stadium.
The Carabao Cup semi-final first leg against Newcastle and the FA Cup third round match against United come first.
Arsenal are not completely out of the title race, but dropping points on results like today's could hamper their chances later in the season.
4
