EPL: Brighton 1-1 Arsenal: Gunners’ title hopes falter after Joao Pedro’s penalty

Arsenal’s Premier League title ambitions took a hit as Brighton held them to a 1-1 draw at the Amex Stadium on Saturday evening.

Despite Ethan Nwaneri’s first-half goal, Joao Pedro’s second-half penalty ensured the spoils were shared in a feisty encounter.

Teen sensation Nwaneri, starting his second consecutive league match, opened the scoring in the 16th minute.

The 17-year-old received a clever pass from Mikel Merino before driving into the box and finishing under goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen.

Nwaneri, with his fifth goal of the season, became the sixth Premier League player to score multiple goals before turning 18, joining the likes of Wayne Rooney and Michael Owen.

However, Arsenal’s lead was undone in the 61st minute after William Saliba’s aerial challenge on Pedro resulted in a controversial penalty.

Referee Anthony Taylor, after a thorough review, awarded the spot-kick, and Pedro calmly converted to level the game.

Brighton, winless in eight matches, frustrated Arsenal with their defensive ability and counterattacking threat.

Simon Adingra and Joao Pedro posed problems, while Arsenal’s David Raya was called into action to deny a few dangerous chances.

The draw leaves Arsenal five points behind leaders Liverpool, having played two games more.

Brighton, meanwhile, remain a thorn in the Gunners’ side, having drawn both league meetings this season.