Mikel Arteta said he was “disappointed” by the decision to award a second-half penalty to Brighton as Arsenal were held to a 1-1 draw at the Amex Stadium on Saturday evening.
Arteta’s side were aiming to close the gap on runaway Premier League leaders Liverpool, who play Manchester United on Sunday, but failed to claim all three points on the south coast despite taking a first-half lead through teenager Ethan Nwaneri.
The Gunners were pegged back after the break as the hosts made a spirited comeback. Fabian Hurzeler’s side were rewarded for their efforts when they were given a penalty after William Saliba attempted to head the ball clear but instead caught the head of striker Joao Pedro.
The Brazilian dispatched the spot-kick and from there Brighton squandered a couple of half-chances to win the game late on.
Sharing the points in Brighton.
A chance to turn the page quickly on Tuesday. pic.twitter.com/OvxH20cvqa
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) January 4, 2025
But the Gunners’ boss felt the decision by referee Anthony Taylor to award the penalty was a harsh one.
“We’re disappointed because we wanted to win the game,” Arteta told Sky Sports.
“We started the game with some good actions and scored a really good goal. We knew it was going to be a really competitive and challenging game.
“But we competed. It wasn’t our best day, especially with the ball in the second half. We have away so many simple balls away, they didn’t really allow us to dominate the game.
“I cannot fault the effort, the intensity, and how much we wanted it but doing the simple things have to be right against a really good team. Today wasn’t to the standards required to win the game.
“And we’re very disappointed with the way he [referee Anthony Taylor] has given the penalty. I’ve never seen it in my life. For me it’s a clear no.”
A win for Arsenal would have taken them to within three points of Liverpool. As it is, the Gunners currently trail Arne Slot’s side by five points having played two games more.
But Arteta opted not to engage with questions about their title rivals and instead keep the focus on his own players.
“Today we wanted to win the game and we haven’t been able to do that,” added Arteta.
“There are things for sure that we have to improve. We are very disappointed as well with the [penalty] decision and, after that, we have to try and be better in the next game.”
Next up for the Gunners is the visit of in-form Newcastle in the first leg of the Carabao semi-final on Tuesday.
