Mikel Arteta Furious with Brighton Penalty Decision in Arsenal Draw

Controversial Penalty Costs Arsenal Victory

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta did not hold back in criticizing referee Anthony Taylor after a controversial penalty decision led to a 1-1 draw against Brighton on Saturday.

Arsenal took the lead through Ethan Nwaneri, who scored during a tense contest on the south coast. However, the Gunners struggled to maintain control of the game, allowing Brighton to pile on pressure with a series of attacking moves.

Joao Pedro’s Equaliser Sparks Controversy

Brighton’s equaliser came in the 60th minute when Joao Pedro flicked the ball into Arsenal’s penalty area, provoking a challenge from William Saliba. Referee Anthony Taylor deemed Saliba’s aerial attempt mistimed and awarded a penalty.

Speaking after the match, Arteta voiced his frustrations:
“I have never seen a decision like this in my career. I asked the boys, and nobody has seen it before.”

VAR Decision Draws Arteta’s Ire

Slow-motion replays showed Saliba brushing the ball with his forehead before making contact with Pedro’s temple. Despite this, VAR official Darren England upheld Taylor’s decision, with the Premier League later issuing a statement that “there was sufficient contact for a penalty.”

Arteta questioned the speed of the VAR review, saying:
“When you look at the incident—the distance, the player, Joao touching the ball, then Saliba touching the ball—you can see contact there. I checked [with the officials]. After three seconds, they said they had already checked. It seems quick.”

He concluded:
“We are really disappointed with the decision. [Saliba] touches the ball as well.”

Brighton Manager Defends the Call

Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler took a different stance, defending the penalty decision:
“It was a clear penalty. It is head-to-head, but if it was another part of the body, everyone would say it was a penalty. Joao Pedro places the ball with his head, and Saliba comes too late. Therefore, it was a clear one.”

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