'I've never seen it before in my life' - Mikel Arteta perplexed by 'bizarre' reason for Brighton penalty as Arsenal suffer another setback in Premier League title race

Arsenal's title hopes suffered another blow as the Gunners were held to a 1-1 draw by Brighton. Ethan Nwaneri had put Arsenal in front but a penalty from Joao Pedro rescued a point for the Seagulls. The spot-kick was awarded after William Saliba was penalised for a foul when he tried to nod the ball away but connected with Pedro instead. The incident was checked by VAR and a penalty awarded, leaving Arteta baffled by the decision.

Arteta told BBC Radio 5 Live: "Bizarre. That means we have probably never seen it before. I haven't in my career. So it is a new one."

He went on to add in a second interview with Match of the Day: "We are really disappointed with the decision that leads to the goal because I have never seen something like this in my life. He touches the ball as well."

Arsenal fans were left furious by the decision to award the penalty and there's no doubt it was a costly goal to concede. The Gunners now sit five points behind Liverpool but have played two games more than the Reds. Arne Slot's side are due to take on struggling Manchester United next on Sunday, although the game may be postponed as heavy snow is forecast in the area ahead of the match at Anfield.

Arsenal now switch their focus away from the Premier League and to the domestic cups. The Gunners take on Newcastle on Tuesday in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final and then host Manchester United in the third round of the FA Cup.