ARSENAL manager Mikel Arteta bemoaned a penalty decision he called “bizarre” as his side’s Premier League title challenge suffered a setback at Brighton.
The second-placed Gunners looked on course to claim a precious three points on the south coast following an early opener from 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri.
However, they had to settle for a point and a 1-1 draw after Joao Pedro equalised from the spot following a freak incident in which he was accidentally headbutted by visiting defender William Saliba.
“We are really disappointed with the decision that leads to the goal because I have never seen something like this in my life,” Arteta told BBC Sport.
“He touches the ball as well. [It is] bizarre. That means we have probably never seen it before. I haven’t in my career. I asked the boys if they have, and no-one has seen this before. So it is a new one.
“I checked and, after three seconds, they said they already checked VAR. It seems quick.”
While Spaniard Arteta was clearly frustrated by referee Anthony Taylor’s decision to award the penalty to the hosts, Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler felt it was the obvious outcome to the situation.
“It was a clear penalty. It is head to head, but if it is another piece of the body everybody would say it was a penalty,” said the German.
“Joao Pedro places the ball with his head and Saliba comes too late.”
Brighton were searching for an equaliser just before the hour mark when Pedro flicked the ball up in the air in the Arsenal penalty area.
As the Brazil forward nodded it into his own path, trying to turn to his right, there was a clash of heads as Saliba attempted to clear.
Referee Taylor took a few seconds to consider what had happened as Pedro fell to the ground.
The official then pointed to the spot and after the VAR check Pedro sent visiting goalkeeper David Raya the wrong way, finding the right corner as he levelled the scores.
On Match of the Day, the pundits were convinced a penalty should not have been awarded.
“It was clearly headed by Saliba,” said presenter Gary Lineker. “Never ever have we seen a penalty given for head clashes.”
Danny Murphy added: “They both head the ball before they clash. They are genuinely going for it. It’s a coming together.”