'Never seen it in my life' – Arteta baffled as Brighton pen costs Arsenal

A “very disappointed” Mikel Arteta believes Joao Pedro’s penalty that denied Arsenal side at Brighton should not have been given.

With Arsenal leading 1-0 through Ethan Nwaneri’s early opener, Joao Pedro went down William Saliba clashed heads with the Brighton forward as they contested a high ball.

Referee Anthony Taylor pointed to the spot and VAR agreed with the call as there was “sufficient contact” from the Arsenal defender.

Pedro scored the spot kick and the stalemate means Arsenal are five points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool having played two games more.

Asked by Sky Sports for his take on the decision, Arteta replied: “I have never seen it in my life and Saliba touches the ball. For me, a clear no penalty.”

He later expanded in his press conference: “The game comes with a decision that is very disappointing.

“I have never seen a decision like this in my career. I asked the boys if they have and nobody has seen it before.

“When you look at the incident, the distance, the player, Joao Pedro touching the ball, Saliba touching the ball, you can see contact there.”

Asked if he felt VAR should have overturned the decision, he replied: “If I expect it? I checked and after three seconds they said they already checked it. It seems quick.”

Arteta said he did not receive an explanation from referee Taylor about the decision but the official did tell him he would take a look at it, according to the Arsenal manager.

More to follow.