After Arsenal's draw at Brighton (1-1) this Saturday during the 20th day of the Premier League, Mikel Arteta pointed out the penalty awarded to the Seagulls. William Saliba was penalized for hitting Joao Pedro's head.
Second in the Premier League, Arsenal were held back at Brighton. On the road this Saturday, the Gunners conceded a draw (1-1) during the 20th day of the championship. Without Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz, the London club opened the scoring (16th) thanks to young Ethan Nwaneri (17) but a penalty, scored by Joao Pedro (61st), sealed the draw and angered Mikel Arteta.
'There was no penalty', says Arteta
In the penalty area, William Saliba was guilty of a foul on the same Joao Pedro. The French defender wanted to clear the ball with his head but also hit his opponent's head. The video confirmed to Anthony Taylor, the referee of the game, the penalty.
After the game, Mikel Arteta fumed over this decision: “We are very disappointed with the penalty. I have never seen that in my life,” the Spanish coach railed to Sky Sports, with a dark look. “Saliba touches the ball. There was no penalty for me.” Consultant for the English broadcaster, ex-midfielder Jamie Redknapp highlighted the contact, approving the penalty.
In the standings, Arsenal are five points behind Liverpool, who host Manchester United this Sunday (5:30 p.m.). The Reds are currently two games behind the Gunners. For Arteta's team, the next meeting in the league is set for January 15, with the reception of Tottenham. Beforehand, Arsenal have two matches to play, against Newcaatle in the League Cup on Tuesday and against Manchester United in the FA Cup on January 12.
