VAR fails Arsenal again as Rob Holding proves worth to Mikel Arteta’s backline

Arsenal’s rotten return to Premier League football continued with a second loss in as many games following Neal Maupay’s last gasp winner for Brighton at the AMEX Stadium.

One the whole, Mikel Arteta’s side produced a much improved performance from that at Manchester City in midweek. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was relentless in drifting behind the Brighton defence and Bukayo Saka was very comfortable filling the gaps he left. Too often, however, Arsenal squandered their chances.

Nicolas Pepe’s goal was outstanding as he bent the ball into the far corner but being just one goal ahead instead of two or three left the Gunners way too vulnerable in the closing stages of the game.

VAR fails Arsenal again
The major talking point from the defeat was Bernd Leno’s injury in the first half. Rising early to collect the ball – initially unchallenged – this should have been a routine action for the German. Instead, he now joins a growing list of injuries which was the worst possibility to come from the situation.