Revealed: How 'frustrated' and 'sad' Arsenal dressing room reacted to controversial Joao Pedro penalty in dismal Brighton draw

Ethan Nwaneri's first-half opener was cancelled out by Joao Pedro's second-half penalty, a hotly-debated decision that incensed Arsenal's players, manager, and fans. After the 1-1 draw on Saturday at the Amex, midfielder Partey gave an insight into how "sad" his team-mates were as they lost ground in the Premier League title race.

He told Arsenal's website: "We are sad, frustrated, everybody is down but that's part of football. We wanted to win, we wanted to keep the momentum going and at the end of the day, we didn't get it. But it's also a positive one because we did not lose. We have to try our best and win these games because they're the most important ones, but it's not an easy game against a good side and to win here you have to be perfect. We need to forget (about Saturday) and keep on working hard to win our next game."

While Arsenal closed the gap to league leaders Liverpool to five points, the Reds have two games in hand and could go eight clear if they beat Manchester United on Sunday. And the manner of the Gunners' performance may concern many in their bid to win the title.

Arsenal take a break from league action over the next week or so as they host Newcastle United on Tuesday in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final and then entertain Man United in the FA Cup third round on January 12.