Will Simpson, writing with ISNTV
Embed from Getty ImagesMikel Arteta considered Brighton’s penalty a “very disappointing” decision which cost Arsenal in their 1-1 draw at the Amex.
Joao Pedro won and scored the spot-kick to cancel out Ethan Nwaneri’s opener after a challenge from William Saliba was deemed to have made sufficient contact with his head on Pedro’s.
“I’ve never seen a decision like this in my career,” the Arsenal boss said. “When you look at the incident, the distance, the player, Joao Pedro touching the ball and then Saliba touching the ball, you can see contact there [with the ball].”
One camera angle did show Saliba making contact with the ball before Pedro, but VAR did not overturn the decision.
Arteta said on the referee’s explanation: “I checked and after three seconds, they said they already checked. It seems quick.”
Embed from Getty ImagesThe Gunners boss was also dismayed by Nwaneri’s injury, who “felt some muscular injury” and had to be substituted at half-time. The seventeen-year-old scored just his second Premier League goal in the first half.
Arsenal not only lost their lead in the second half but control of the game. Arteta said on his side’s performance: “In the second half, we dropped our standards and level with the ball, giving too many balls away. That never allowed us really to generate momentum and dominance in the game to control and go for the second goal.
“Without really conceding much apart from that transition moment with Minteh, [the penalty] becomes a decision that is very, very disappointing.”
Embed from Getty ImagesFor Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler, his opinion on the penalty was straightforward: “It’s a clear penalty.
“It’s just the fact that [the challenge is] too late. So I can’t understand, to say that it’s not a penalty.”
Embed from Getty ImagesHurzeler was too frustrated by picking up just the sole point. He said: “We weren’t in the game for the first 15-20 minutes and then after the goal it changed, especially in the second half.
“We had the better chances, the much bigger chances, and in the end we are disappointed not to leave the pitch as the winner.”
The result appears bittersweet for the Seagulls, who are now winless in their last eight league games, but have only lost two in ten. Brighton have now drawn half of their 20 league results.
“I have the same feeling, it’s a disappointing feeling,” Hurzeler said. “It’s a longing inside of me, a desire to win games and especially after performances where you go out and say you might be the winner.”
Embed from Getty ImagesBrighton’s goalscorer Pedro was named captain in the absence of Lewis Dunk, ruled out with a minor calf injury. The Brazilian was praised by Hurzeler: “He’s already one of my leaders. He’s in my leader’s group.
“I demand a lot from him and today he was a role model in working against the ball, doing good counter-pressing, reacting well and supporting his teammates.”
Brighton sit in tenth, whilst Arsenal remain second and five points behind league leaders Liverpool who have two games in hand.