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      ‘This is RIDICULOUS’ – Ian Wright in meltdown over ‘worst officials in Europe’ after Arsenal’s draw with Brighton

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      IAN WRIGHT fumed that Prem refs are the “worst in Europe” after Brighton were awarded a controversial penalty against Arsenal.William Saliba was judged to have fouled Joao Pedro after he mistimed a header and caught the Seagulls striker.Ian Wright slammed the penalty decisionCredit: ReutersWilliam Saliba was judged to have fouled Joao PedroThe Arsenal defender avoided a red card with VAR sticking by referee Anthony Taylor’s decision.But Wright disagreed with the decision to award a penalty and fumed that it was given.He said on Optus Sport: “I don’t know what to believe anymore. This is ridiculous. We have the worst officials in Europe.”Mikel Arteta was equally as bemused as he made his feelings clear post-match.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe told Sky Sports: “I have never seen something like this in my life.”I am really disappointed. He touches the ball as well!”Fans argued over whether the correct decision was made as the Premier League released a statement on the incident.It read: “The referee’s call of penalty for a foul by Saliba on Pedro was checked and confirmed by VAR, who deemed there was sufficient contact for a penalty.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe decision proved crucial as Pedro converted the penalty to equalise, with the match ending 1-1.The Gunners dropped yet more points in the title race and are now five points behind Liverpool having played two games more.Arsenal Invincible and cult hero reveals we’ve all been saying his name wrong for nearly 45 years More

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      Slot has great squad full of great players… Amorim’s at a great club in Man Utd with very bad players

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      SUNDAY’S game at Anfield is a tale of two managers who have walked into completely different situations.Arne Slot took over a great team with great players. Ruben Amorim has taken over a great football club with very bad players. In some ways, it’s that simple.Arne Slot is in charge of a great team with great playersCredit: AlamyRuben Amorim has taken over a great club with bad playersCredit: GettyI love Slot. He’s no wannabe Jurgen Klopp. He has simply been himself. He comes over great and seems to have a lovely personality. You couldn’t dislike him.Slot has not tried to take a great deal of credit, even though he deserves it because he has had the sense not to try to fix something that wasn’t really broken.He’s never come on and said, ‘We do this now, we’re doing something different’, trying to blow his own trumpet.He’s not given us any jargon, none of that rubbish we keep hearing as if the game has only just been invented.READ MORE ON MAN UTDLiverpool have cover everywhere. They have five or six forwards who could play in any team.They have plenty of leaders like Virgil van Dijk. The manager has kept everybody sweet and let good players play.Manchester City have fallen away, which has been a help to them, we must not forget. But Slot has done really well so far.At United, Amorim has the job of all jobs after taking over a very average group of players.Most read in FootballAmorim is leading an average group of players at Man UtdCredit: GettyThey need a new team almost. There’s very few there who are going to take Manchester United where they want to be.It’s going to take a long time to recover but I like listening to Amorim. He knows what he wants.Ruben Amorim says Man Utd face a relegation battleNow, as a manager you tell United, ‘I need players who can do this, this and this’.When I went to Portsmouth, I wanted to play three at the back.I signed Matty Taylor from Luton for £50,000. He was a left-winger-cum-left-back. He was perfect for me.Defensively, he was seven out of ten, going forward he was nine out of ten.United need to find a couple of wing-backs for Amorim. They need a centre-forward. They need players everywhere. But playing the system is not the problem.It’s no different to Russell Martin at Southampton when people were saying, ‘Oh, he’s passing it out from the back’.They could have booted it up the field every time they got it — but it wouldn’t make them any better.At the end of the day, they are not good enough to stay in the Premier League.United are actually quite well set up to play Amorim’s way.But in Monday’s 2-0 home defeat to Newcastle he made a big mistake by playing two men who can’t run in the middle of the park.Ruben Amorim played Christian Eriksen alongside Casemiro for United’s 2-0 defeat to NewcastleCredit: ReutersCasemiro has been criticised in recent seasonsCredit: GettyCasemiro and Christian Eriksen have been great footballers but they’re no longer athletes. They were completely overrun in there.But at least he has a way he wants to play. The recruitment at United has been shocking but that should change now they have a blueprint of what he needs, rather than signing players willy-nilly.Managers get the sack but heads of recruitment — or whatever they are called, they all have posh names — hide in the background.They bring in bad players and managers take the blame.United and Dan Ashworth parted ways so now it’s down to Jason Wilcox.If Wilcox doesn’t bring in good players then he should be bang in the frame for the chop as well as the manager.He is just as responsible for the future of Manchester United, if not more so.The behind-the-scenes team at Liverpool is fantastic and I know two of them pretty well.I had Richard Hughes at Portsmouth as a player and I brought in Michael Edwards as an analyst.They have been good pals since their time there.Later, I took Michael with me to Tottenham and now he is at Liverpool as the top man. He really understands the game.Richard is like a football encyclopedia. You name a player and he’ll tell you what he has for dinner. He did an incredible job at Bournemouth.You think, ‘Where did the left-back Milos Kerkez come from? Where did Antoine Semenyo come from?’ They will keep on bringing in good players.And Liverpool deserve credit for picking Slot to be the new manager, too.On Sunday, I can only see a comfortable Liverpool win.That crowd will love battering United and it will be a great atmosphere. There’s nowhere like Anfield when those fans are singing.Liverpool’s recruitment has been superbCredit: GettyPlymouth was the impossible job for RooneyWHEN Wayne Rooney went to Plymouth in the summer, I thought, ‘Wazza, you’ve taken on an impossible job’. And so it has proved.No disrespect to Plymouth, which are a great football club with huge potential but the team is what it is: Not good enough for the Championship.They escaped on the final day of last season and were always going to be scrapping to stay up again.You could have put Pep Guardiola in there… the players simply aren’t good enough.I like Wayne. When you talk to him, he’s great on the game.I hope he doesn’t give up. The problem is getting a job where he has a chance to be successful.But it’s not going to be easy now for him to get that opportunity.These days, I’m following Coventry’s results closely because my nephew, Frank Lampard, is in charge there.That’s a tough job but hopefully Frank can get them on the up. READ MORE SUN STORIESIt doesn’t matter if you’ve been a great player — if you want to be a great manager, the most important thing is to have great players.That’s as true for Frank and Wayne as it is for Slot and Amorim.Wayne Rooney mutually ended his contract with Plymouth earlier this weekCredit: PA More

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      ‘I think we’ve lost him’ – Mikel Arteta gives worrying Ethan Nwaneri injury update after Arsenal’s draw with Brighton

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      MIKEL ARTETA has given a worrying injury update on Ethan Nwaneri.Nwaneri impressed during Arsenal’s 1-1 draw against Brighton.Ethan Nwaneri was subbed off against BrightonCredit: EPAMikel Arteta has given a worrying update on his fitnessCredit: GettyThe midfielder fired the Gunners into the lead in the first half with a composed finish past Bart Verbruggen.However, Arteta subbed him at the break despite being one of the better players.He had picked up a yellow card due to time-wasting for taking too long over a corner.The manager has now revealed that the teenager was withdrawn from the action due to injury.READ MORE ON ARSENALArteta admitted that it is “really bad news” as he insisted Nwaneri was suffering from “muscular issues”.He said: “Really bad news because I think we’ve lost him.”We had to take him off at half-time with some muscular issues.”After Nwaneri came off Arsenal looked a lot less threatening going forward and the Seagulls worked their way back into the game.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSJoao Pedro won and converted a penalty after a clash of heads with William Saliba to level the scores.Arteta also revealed his opinion on the decision to award the spot-kick.Mikel Arteta reveals Bukayo Saka is set to miss months after surgery as he gives injury update on Arsenal starHe fumed: “I’ve never seen a decision like this in my career.“I asked the boys, and they have never seen anything like it.”Arteta also admitted that he was disappointed that his side did not claim all three points.He said: “I’m disappointed because we wanted to win the game.”We started the game with good actions and a good goal. We knew it was going to be a challenging game.”We gave too many balls away in the second half and we’re very disappointed with the penalty.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I’ve never seen that in my life – and Saliba touches the ball. [It wasn’t one] for me, no.”We’re playing every three days. I understand how much we want to [win], but in terms of the quality and the consistency and doing the simple things right against a competitive team, we didn’t do enough today.”Arsenal player ratings: Ethan Nwaneri is perfect Bukayo Saka replacement but Gabriel Jesus goes missing against BrightonETHAN NWANERI was the brightest spark on the pitch as Arsenal lost further ground int he title race.SunSport’s Isabelle Barker has given her ratings for the Arsenal players…DAVID RAYA – 6The Spanish stopper didn’t have too much to deal with apart from Joao Pedro’s penalty which he went the wrong way for. He couldn’t have done too much about it though, it was a classy finish into the other corner.THOMAS PARTEY – 6Partey was ok to start with at right-back but the experiment still looked unconvincing in the second-half, with him struggling to handle Kaoru Mitoma when the Japanese international came on.WILLIAM SALIBA – 6The French centre-back was solid up until conceding the crucial penalty for dangerous play against Pedro in the box. If it had been a headbutt, Saliba would have been sent off, in fairness it looked as though he was going for the ball, and it was an unfortunate clash of heads.GABRIEL MAGALHAES – 5Started off solidly at the back but faded out with little answers for Brighton’s pressure towards the end.RICCARDO CALAFIORI – 7Calafiori was superb, particularly in the first half against Brighton, with the stats speaking for themselves. He won the most duels, completed the most take ons and most tackles. He also misplaced just one of his 22 passes.JORGINHO – 6The ex-Chelsea man struggled to receive the ball under pressure, nearly costing Arsenal a goal for the hosts. Generally looked too slow for the game this evening.MIKEL MERINO – 7The Spanish midfielder linked up beautifully with Rice for the opener, producing a lovely pass over the top for Nwaneri to latch onto. Merino faded out towards the end though, looking more sluggish and ponderous on the ball as the minutes went by.DECLAN RICE – 7The midfielder was the furthest forward, pressing the Brighton backline with Jesus and it worked at first.He took on the Odegaard role when Arsenal didn’t have possession. Was involved with first big chance with Jesus and then pulled the strings for Nwaneri’s opener.LEANDRO TROSSARD – 6The Brighton faithful were booing Trossard from the get go but he didn’t show up to silence them. The Belgian winger offered very little going forward.ETHAN NWANERI – 8So good from Nwaneri for the opener. He was involved in the build up with Rice and Merino then put on the afterburners to produce a charging run before slotting the ball into the bottom corner.What a good replacement Nwaneri has been for Bukayo Saka. He fits the bill with pace, body shape, and a lovely left foot.GABRIEL JESUS – 5The striker lashed a shot at Verbruggen for an early warning, but he was offside anyway, wasting the delicious through ball from Jorginho. Was virtually anonymous by the end and Arsenal won’t be able to win the league with a striker like that.SubstitutesMARTIN ODEGAARD – 6GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 6 More

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      Oli McBurnie BLOCKED from rejoining Sheffield United… but Blades could bring back another old-boy instead

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      OLI MCBURNIE has seen a reunion with Sheffield United BLOCKED by Las Palmas.The Scotland striker, 28, joined the LaLiga outfit in July on a three-year deal after he was released by the Blades.Ollie McBurnie has been blocked from returning to Sheff UtdCredit: GettyMcBurnie is currently playing for Las Palmas in SpainCredit: GettyHe has played 15 times for the Spanish side – scoring twice.But manager Chris Wilder was pushing the promotion-chasing club to re-sign the forward he originally signed in 2019.However, Las Palmas have rejected the approach from them and other clubs.McBurnie joined Sheffield United from Swansea for £17.5million – with a fee potentially rising to £20million.Read more on footballAt the time, it was a transfer record for a Scottish player.The fee was beaten a few days later by Kieran Tierney’s £25 million move from Celtic to Arsenal.McBurnie found Premier League goals hard to come by.In the 2022-23 season he was instrumental in Sheffield United’s promotion to the top tier.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHis 29 goals in 159 games made him a cult hero for the club.Off the pitch, McBurnie has courted controversy.Sheffield United stars held back as Championship clash with Portsmouth descends into brawl at full-time whistleIn 2019, he was charged with drink driving – later earning a ban.Then in 2020, he received a warning from the FA for his conduct amongst Swansea City supporters whilst attending the South Wales derby for allegedly making a rude gesture towards Cardiff City fans.In 2021, a social media video emerged that appeared to show McBurnie in an altercation with another man.North Yorkshire Police said that a 24-year-old man had been arrested in connection with an incident where a 21-year-old victim sustained facial injuries.The following month, North Yorkshire Police said that the case had been concluded, with a penalty notice and caution issued to two of the men involved in the incident.In June 2022, McBurnie and Sheffield United teammate Rhian Brewster were charged with common assault by Nottinghamshire Police “in relation to disorder at the conclusion of a game at the City Ground on 17 May 2022”.Ex-Blades star McBurnie pictured arriving Nottingham Magistrates’ Court in 2022Credit: PABoth players “strenuously denied” the allegations.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe charges against Brewster were dropped, but the case against McBurnie would go to trial after he pleaded not guilty to an assault charge.McBurnie was found not guilty in December 2022. More

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      Arsenal player ratings: Ethan Nwaneri is perfect Bukayo Saka replacement but Gabriel Jesus goes missing against Brighton

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      ETHAN NWANERI was the brightest spark on the pitch as Arsenal lost further ground int he title race.Nwaneri continued to impress despite his tender age as he opened the scoring with a composed finish in the first half.Ethan Nwaneri shone brightest for Arsenal on the South CoastCredit: AlamyGabriel Jesus struggled against the SeagullsCredit: AFPHis goal could have been a winner if it was not for a Joao Pedro penalty in the second half.However, the same could not be said for striker Gabriel Jesus.The former Manchester City striker was anonymous against the Seagulls.Jesus’ previous flash of form would have come in handy to stop the Gunners dropping points on the road.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLSunSport’s Isabelle Barker has given her ratings for the Arsenal players…DAVID RAYA – 6The Spanish stopper didn’t have too much to deal with apart from Joao Pedro’s penalty which he went the wrong way for. He couldn’t have done too much about it though, it was a classy finish into the other corner. THOMAS PARTEY – 6Partey was ok to start with at right-back but the experiment still looked unconvincing in the second-half, with him struggling to handle Kaoru Mitoma when the Japanese international came on. WILLIAM SALIBA – 6The French centre-back was solid up until conceding the crucial penalty for dangerous play against Pedro in the box. If it had been a headbutt, Saliba would have been sent off, in fairness it looked as though he was going for the ball, and it was an unfortunate clash of heads. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSGABRIEL MAGALHAES – 5Started off solidly at the back but faded out with little answers for Brighton’s pressure towards the end. RICCARDO CALAFIORI – 7Calafiori was superb, particularly in the first half against Brighton, with the stats speaking for themselves. He won the most duels, completed the most take ons and most tackles. He also misplaced just one of his 22 passes. Granit Xhaka reveals reason for dramatic new look with ex-Arsenal star having undergone hair transplant JORGINHO – 6The ex-Chelsea man struggled to receive the ball under pressure, nearly costing Arsenal a goal for the hosts. Generally looked too slow for the game this evening. MIKEL MERINO – 7The Spanish midfielder linked up beautifully with Rice for the opener, producing a lovely pass over the top for Nwaneri to latch onto. Merino faded out towards the end though, looking more sluggish and ponderous on the ball as the minutes went by.DECLAN RICE – 7Declan Rice played an important role in the Arsenal goalCredit: GettyThe midfielder was the furthest forward, pressing the Brighton backline with Jesus and it worked at first.He took on the Odegaard role when Arsenal didn’t have possession. Was involved with first big chance with Jesus and then pulled the strings for Nwaneri’s opener.  LEANDRO TROSSARD – 6 The Brighton faithful were booing Trossard from the get go but he didn’t show up to silence them. The Belgian winger offered very little going forward.ETHAN NWANERI – 8So good from Nwaneri for the opener. He was involved in the build up with Rice and Merino then put on the afterburners to produce a charging run before slotting the ball into the bottom corner.What a good replacement Nwaneri has been for Bukayo Saka. He fits the bill with pace, body shape, and a lovely left foot.GABRIEL JESUS – 5The striker lashed a shot at Verbruggen for an early warning, but he was offside anyway, wasting the delicious through ball from Jorginho. Was virtually anonymous by the end and Arsenal won’t be able to win the league with a striker like that.READ MORE SUN STORIESSubstitutes MARTIN ODEGAARD – 6 GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 6 More

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      Brighton vs Arsenal LIVE RESULT: Gunners and Seagulls share point as Joao Pedro levels after early Nwaneri goal

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      ARSENAL were held to a draw at Brighton as they failed to close the gap on Liverpool.Teenager Ethan Nwaneri, 17, scored an early goal for the Gunners but Mikel Arteta’s side struggled to create chances.Brighton picked up yet another point – this was their sixth draw in eight matches – after Joao Pedro slotted home a penalty after a bizarre head collision with Gabriel.Earlier, Chelsea suffered yet another slip up at Crystal Palace, while out-of-form Tottenham were beaten 2-1 by Newcastle, Manchester City thrashed West Ham and Brentford piled more misery on Southampton.FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFollow our live blog below…Mikel bitter with penalty decisionMikel Arteta immediately went over to confront the officials at the full-time whistle.No doubt he will be telling them that it was never a penalty that was awarded to the hosts.If this was the case, he may need his medication altered as Saliba headbutted Joao Pedro, whichever way you look at it.Credit: EPACopy linkCopiedGunners have it all to doArsenal are now five points behind leaders Liverpool.They have some tough games coming up and cannot afford to drop points if they want to stay in touch.Mikel Arteta will see this as two points dropped today.Copy linkCopiedPremier League full-time scoresTottenham 1-2 NewcastleBournemouth 0-0 EvertonAston Villa 2-1 LeicesterCrystal Palace 1-1 ChelseaMan City 4-1 West HamSouthampton 0-5 BrentfordBrighton 1-1 ArsenalCopy linkCopiedFT: Brighton 1-1 ArsenalIgor Julio put in a stellar performance for his team today.He managed to dominate the Arsenal centre midfield and link play for The Seagulls.His evening was ended by injury but by that time, his work was done.Copy linkCopiedFT: Brighton 1-1 ArsenalThe Seagulls probably edged this game over the course of the match.Fabian Hurzeler’s side had a big chance to win it when Minteh wasted the opportunity.Mitoma was completely unmarked on the back post wating to convert.Copy linkCopiedFT: Brighton 1-1 ArsenalThe referee brings the game to a close.Two points dropped for The Gunners.Arsenal just did not have enough creativity tonight.Copy linkCopiedBrighton 1-1 Arsenal90+4. Ayari is booked for a clumsy foul.Rice stands over the free-kick.This may be a last chance for The Gunners.Copy linkCopiedBrighton 1-1 Arsenal90+2. Trossard tries to shoot from distance.It sails over the crossbar.Time is running out for Mikel Arteta’s side.Copy linkCopiedBrighton 1-1 Arsenal90. Martinelli is blocked from advancing.As you can imagine, he hits the floor and stays down like his career is over.Once he realises there is not going to be a free-kick he makes a miraculous recovery.We are going to have six added minutes.Copy linkCopiedBrighton 1-1 Arsenal88. Rice lifts a ball into the Brighton box.Partey has a free-header but sends it sailing over the bar.Calafiori is finally shown a yellow card after about ten fouls committed.Copy linkCopiedBrighton 1-1 Arsenal86. Brighton have The Gunnners pinned back in their own half.The problem for The Seagulls is still that final pass.If they had an Odegaard-type player they would be leading comfortably by now.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedBrighton 1-1 Arsenal84. Merino is penalised for a foul on Georginio.It was a blatant foul as the player was away from him.Chance for Brighton to ask some questions of Raya.Copy linkCopiedBrighton 1-1 Arsenal82.Minteh is shown a yellow card by Taylor.It was more for his reacted than a challenge at all.He was not happy that he was not awarded a free kick for the pressure being put on him by Gabriel.Copy linkCopiedBrighton 1-1 Arsenal80. Brighton are wasting key moments far too much.At times they seem like their players are not even on the same wavelength.Minteh played a cross come shot heavily across the box earlier when it seemed a goal was certain.he had teammates queuing up to put it in at the time.Copy linkCopiedBrighton 1-1 Arsenal78. Jesus looks to run at the Brighton defence.Fortunately for the hosts, the defender reads it well and robs him of the ball.Rice tries his luck from distance but it is an easy save for Verbruggen.Copy linkCopiedBrighton 1-1 Arsenal76. A loose pass gifts the ball to Pedro.He holds it up until Estupinan comes on the overlap.He looks to lift a ball into the box but it is easily held by Raya.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedBrighton 1-1 Arsenal74. Calafiori is penalised for yet another foul.That is about four or five during the game now, yet the referee still does not produce a card.Maybe Anthony Taylor is too in awe of his long flowing locks.Copy linkCopiedBrighton 1-1 Arsenal72. Rice takes another corner with a visible tactic in mind.They keep holding a deep one up to the back post.Verbruggen and comes to collect with ease.Copy linkCopiedBrighton 1-1 Arsenal70. We are into the final quarter of the game now.Arsenal seem to have a bit more urgency about their attacking.Pedro plays it to Mitoma and is fouled late by Partey but the referee does not produce a card.Copy linkCopiedBrighton 1-1 Arsenal68. Brighton’s best form of defending their goal right now seems to be putting Arsenal under some pressure.VAR continues to be not fit for purpose.As the penalty was being taken, Jorginho lashed out an opponent with a kick.It was reviewed and cleared as he missed the player and did not make contact.Copy linkCopiedBrighton 1-1 Arsenal66. Igor limps off to be replaced Webster.It seems the defender has pulled a hamstring.Raya sends the ball downfield with a long punt.Copy linkCopiedBrighton 1-1 Arsenal64. Veltman is booked for a heavy challenge on Jesus.Odegaard comes on for Jorginho.The Gunners can ill-afford to drop any points here.Credit: AFPCopy linkCopiedBrighton 1-1 Arsenal62. Brighton bring on Mitoma for Adingra.Arteta seems to be breaking the emergency glass on the box he keeps Odegaard in.This should pick up the intensity of the game now.Copy linkCopiedGoal – Joao Pedro (Brighton)Copy linkCopiedBrighton 0-1 Arsenal60. The penalty is upheld by a VAR review.To be fair it was never in doubt, Saliba headbutted Pedro.Chance for the hosts to draw level.Copy linkCopied More

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      Brighton 1 Arsenal 1: Gunners suffer major blow in Premier League title race after William Saliba gives away penalty

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      TEENAGE dreams – but for Arsenal, more title agony.Ethan Nwaneri, 17, became the first Gunners player to score multiple Prem goals before his 18th birthday with a fine 16th minute finish in a brutally cold south coast clash.Joao Pedro bagged a penalty to share the spoils on the south coastCredit: ReutersEthan Nwaneri was the bright spark for Arsenal as the teenager bagged the Gunners’ opener.Credit: GettyBut from there, Mikel Arteta watched his side’s performance – and their chances of catching league leaders Liverpool – slip away at the Amex following Joao Pedro’s 61st minute penalty.Back in August, the Seagulls nicked two points off Arsenal at the Emirates in a highly controversial 1-1 draw that saw Declan Rice sent off by referee Chris Kavanagh for ‘delaying the restart’.And yet more dropped points against Fabian Hurzeler’s men will leave Arteta just as seething – especially as Brighton striker Pedro avoided a ban last week for swinging an elbow at Brentford’s Yehor Yarmolyuk.William Saliba’s head contact with Pedro in the box appeared to be a fair challenge until ref Anthony Taylor made a potentially title-defining decision.READ MORE ON ARSENALIt leaves Arsenal five points off Arne Slot’s Reds having played TWO games more. The North Londoners truly need something special to happen to claw this back.Brighton meanwhile continue to reign as kings of level-pegging – winless now in their last eight Prem games but in six of them they have won a point, with 10 draws in total this term.Nwaneri earned a second successive Prem start, but there were changes around him.Rice, Jorginho and Leandro Trossard started while Thomas Partey was at right back in place of the suspended Jurrien Timber.Most read in FootballWilliam Saliba mistimed his header and clashed heads with Joao Pedro in the boxCredit: Sky SportsVAR deemed the clash of heads to be a penaltyCredit: GettyPedro confidently dispatched the spot-kickCredit: GettyFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSDespite suggesting he was now well enough to feature, Arteta left Kai Havertz out yet again after the German missed the 3-1 victory at Brentford with a sickness bug.Skipper Martin Odegaard featured against the Bees despite also suffering from the illness, so sat on the bench for this one, alongside Gabriel Martinelli.Mikel Arteta reveals Bukayo Saka is set to miss months after surgery as he gives injury update on Arsenal starRotation is the name of the game for Arteta with nine games in four different competitions to contend with this month.Yet the significance of this one could not be overstated, needing to pile some form of pressure on leaders Liverpool with Prem bouts coming thick and fast in the New Year.Arsenal were back in their bold black strip, one that Arteta likes. The Spaniard believes it strikes fear into opposition players on their own patch, and the Gunners began menacingly.For all the changes in personnel, the visitors were sharp and silky on the ball with Trossard at the heart of it, serenaded by a chorus of boos on his old stomping ground.In-form Brazilian Gabriel Jesus was then slipped in by a crafty Jorginho pick-out.He may have six in his last four in all competitions, but Jesus’ shot was blocked by the legs of Bart Verbruggen before the offside flag was raised.Arsenal were comfortable, but so were Brighton, galloping off on the occasional counter before retreating back in a hurry.With Three Lions boss Thomas Tuchel watching on, a spark was needed, and Arsenal got it from their two Englishmen Rice and Nwaneri, combining with some lovely, fluid runs down the right.Ethan Nwaneri tucked away a confident opener for ArsenalCredit: GettyNwaneri then popped up in space, found by Mikel Merino, driving towards goal and scurrying a finish under the body of Verbruggen.It was his fifth goal so far this term, and now just the sixth player to score more than once in the Prem before turning 18, alongside the likes of Wayne Rooney, Michael Owen and James Milner.If anyone had any doubts over whether this kid is ready for the big time, they have been silenced for good it seems.And what a time to do it with Tuchel watching on. The Enfield-born Hale End prodigy has plied his trade in the U16s, U17s and U19s for England so far. Is another step up now on the cards?Arsenal looked relieved to have found the opener, but then became nervy. David Raya came to the rescue as Jorginho fluffed an overhead kick in his own box.Brighton sensed an opening. Simon Adingra blazed over a glorious chance after another sloppy bit of play from Jorginho.With the game turning gritty, Arsenal turned to their corner prowess, but their opponents had done their homework. Gabriel was double-teamed and then hauled to the ground by Matt O’Riley.It was from another corner that youngling Nwaneri picked up a yellow card for timewasting, the dark arts not going unpunished this time.Arsenal player ratings: Ethan Nwaneri is perfect Bukayo Saka replacement but Gabriel Jesus goes missing against BrightonETHAN NWANERI was the brightest spark on the pitch as Arsenal lost further ground int he title race.SunSport’s Isabelle Barker has given her ratings for the Arsenal players…DAVID RAYA – 6The Spanish stopper didn’t have too much to deal with apart from Joao Pedro’s penalty which he went the wrong way for. He couldn’t have done too much about it though, it was a classy finish into the other corner.THOMAS PARTEY – 6Partey was ok to start with at right-back but the experiment still looked unconvincing in the second-half, with him struggling to handle Kaoru Mitoma when the Japanese international came on.WILLIAM SALIBA – 6The French centre-back was solid up until conceding the crucial penalty for dangerous play against Pedro in the box. If it had been a headbutt, Saliba would have been sent off, in fairness it looked as though he was going for the ball, and it was an unfortunate clash of heads.GABRIEL MAGALHAES – 5Started off solidly at the back but faded out with little answers for Brighton’s pressure towards the end.RICCARDO CALAFIORI – 7Calafiori was superb, particularly in the first half against Brighton, with the stats speaking for themselves. He won the most duels, completed the most take ons and most tackles. He also misplaced just one of his 22 passes.JORGINHO – 6The ex-Chelsea man struggled to receive the ball under pressure, nearly costing Arsenal a goal for the hosts. Generally looked too slow for the game this evening.MIKEL MERINO – 7The Spanish midfielder linked up beautifully with Rice for the opener, producing a lovely pass over the top for Nwaneri to latch onto. Merino faded out towards the end though, looking more sluggish and ponderous on the ball as the minutes went by.DECLAN RICE – 7The midfielder was the furthest forward, pressing the Brighton backline with Jesus and it worked at first.He took on the Odegaard role when Arsenal didn’t have possession. Was involved with first big chance with Jesus and then pulled the strings for Nwaneri’s opener.LEANDRO TROSSARD – 6The Brighton faithful were booing Trossard from the get go but he didn’t show up to silence them. The Belgian winger offered very little going forward.ETHAN NWANERI – 8So good from Nwaneri for the opener. He was involved in the build up with Rice and Merino then put on the afterburners to produce a charging run before slotting the ball into the bottom corner.What a good replacement Nwaneri has been for Bukayo Saka. He fits the bill with pace, body shape, and a lovely left foot.GABRIEL JESUS – 5The striker lashed a shot at Verbruggen for an early warning, but he was offside anyway, wasting the delicious through ball from Jorginho. Was virtually anonymous by the end and Arsenal won’t be able to win the league with a striker like that.SubstitutesMARTIN ODEGAARD – 6GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 6It is likely why Arteta subbed off his goal scorer at the break for Martinelli, not that it swung momentum back Arsenal’s way. If anything, the opposite.A messy performance bit them on the backside in the 59th minute as Saliba’s head made contact with that of Joao Pedro’s. Anthony Taylor took a long look at it before pointing to the spot.VAR deemed “sufficient contact” had been made. Arteta disagreed. Either way, it resulted in Pedro sending Raya the wrong way in front of a jubilant home support.Desperation crept in. Odegaard was flung on to seize the moment, no matter how worse for wear he felt, but it was Brighton pushing with intent, as if they were the ones chasing the title.READ MORE SUN STORIESAdingra should have converted with a pulsating run and ball across goal. Kaoru Mitoma was inches away from tapping in at the far post.A few wasted free-kicks later, Arsenal trudged off with defeat in their mouths. Next week’s Carabao Cup semi-final suddenly feels very big. More

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      Premier League release statement on Brighton’s penalty against Arsenal after VAR check on William Saliba challenge

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      THE PREMIER LEAGUE have released a statement on the decision to award Brighton a penalty after William Saliba headbutted Joao Pedro.Saliba made contact on the Brighton striker using his head but avoided a red card.William Saliba was judged to have fouled Joao PedroVAR confirmed referee Anthony Taylor’s callCredit: ReutersReferee Anthony Taylor did deem the challenge to be a foul however so awarded the Seagulls a penalty, which Pedro converted.VAR reviewed the incident and confirmed the ref’s decision to award a spot kick.The Premier League match centre have since clarified the incident, confirming the decision made by the ref and VAR.It wrote on X: “The referee’s call of penalty for a foul by Saliba on Pedro was checked and confirmed by VAR, who deemed there was sufficient contact for a penalty.”READ MORE ON ARSENALFans were split on the incident with one Arsenal fan arguing it should have not been a penalty.They wrote: “In what world is this a penalty against Saliba????”A fan hit back, saying: “100 per cent pen. If you go to kick the ball and catch the player late it’s a foul, no different with head! It’s a late foul!”Another added: “Clear penalty!”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnd a third wrote: “It’s a clear penalty. You can see clearly the tackle stopped Pedro from advancing forward.”Ethan Nwaneri had put Arsenal in front in the first half but they were unable to find another after Pedro’s equaliser, with the match finishing 1-1.Amazon Prime Video presenter and John Legend give fans ‘second hand embarrassment’ after Arsenal’s win over IpswichArsenal player ratings: Ethan Nwaneri is perfect Bukayo Saka replacement but Gabriel Jesus goes missing against BrightonETHAN NWANERI was the brightest spark on the pitch as Arsenal lost further ground int he title race.SunSport’s Isabelle Barker has given her ratings for the Arsenal players…DAVID RAYA – 6The Spanish stopper didn’t have too much to deal with apart from Joao Pedro’s penalty which he went the wrong way for. He couldn’t have done too much about it though, it was a classy finish into the other corner.THOMAS PARTEY – 6Partey was ok to start with at right-back but the experiment still looked unconvincing in the second-half, with him struggling to handle Kaoru Mitoma when the Japanese international came on.WILLIAM SALIBA – 6The French centre-back was solid up until conceding the crucial penalty for dangerous play against Pedro in the box. If it had been a headbutt, Saliba would have been sent off, in fairness it looked as though he was going for the ball, and it was an unfortunate clash of heads.GABRIEL MAGALHAES – 5Started off solidly at the back but faded out with little answers for Brighton’s pressure towards the end.RICCARDO CALAFIORI – 7Calafiori was superb, particularly in the first half against Brighton, with the stats speaking for themselves. He won the most duels, completed the most take ons and most tackles. He also misplaced just one of his 22 passes.JORGINHO – 6The ex-Chelsea man struggled to receive the ball under pressure, nearly costing Arsenal a goal for the hosts. Generally looked too slow for the game this evening.MIKEL MERINO – 7The Spanish midfielder linked up beautifully with Rice for the opener, producing a lovely pass over the top for Nwaneri to latch onto. Merino faded out towards the end though, looking more sluggish and ponderous on the ball as the minutes went by.DECLAN RICE – 7The midfielder was the furthest forward, pressing the Brighton backline with Jesus and it worked at first.He took on the Odegaard role when Arsenal didn’t have possession. Was involved with first big chance with Jesus and then pulled the strings for Nwaneri’s opener.LEANDRO TROSSARD – 6The Brighton faithful were booing Trossard from the get go but he didn’t show up to silence them. The Belgian winger offered very little going forward.ETHAN NWANERI – 8So good from Nwaneri for the opener. He was involved in the build up with Rice and Merino then put on the afterburners to produce a charging run before slotting the ball into the bottom corner.What a good replacement Nwaneri has been for Bukayo Saka. He fits the bill with pace, body shape, and a lovely left foot.GABRIEL JESUS – 5The striker lashed a shot at Verbruggen for an early warning, but he was offside anyway, wasting the delicious through ball from Jorginho. Was virtually anonymous by the end and Arsenal won’t be able to win the league with a striker like that.SubstitutesMARTIN ODEGAARD – 6GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 6 More