EPL on Citi: Joao Pedro's 'unusual' penalty takes more points off Gunners

EPL on Citi: Joao Pedro’s ‘unusual’ penalty takes more points off Gunners

Joao Pedro’s “unusual” penalty secured Brighton a 1-1 draw at home to Arsenal, handing the Gunners another blow in the Premier League title race – and further initiative to Liverpool.

Arsenal came into the game missing Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz with illness, while the sickness bug spread to Martin Odegaard, who could only start the game on the bench.

However, Ethan Nwaneri stepped up in their absence, scoring an early opener on just his second Premier League start – though he was taken off at half-time for Gabriel Martinelli.

Arsenal could have doubled their lead before the break as Gabriel Jesus headed over a good chance from a corner, while Simon Adingra blasted over a promising opening to level at the other end.

Fabian Hurzeler brought on Georginio Rutter and Yankuba Minteh at the break and it seemed to do the trick, with Brighton having more about them up front.

It provoked the game’s big moment as sustained Brighton pressure led to William Saliba clashing heads with Pedro in the penalty box after the forward just beat him to a high ball.

Anthony Taylor pointed to the spot, leaving Mikel Arteta furious on the sidelines. VAR concurred with the decision as there was “sufficient contact for the penalty”

Source: Sky Sports