"We are sad, frustrated, everybody is down" - Thomas Partey details Arsenal squad's reaction after 1-1 draw against Brighton

Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey has spoken about how the Gunners reacted to their 1-1 draw against Brighton & Hove Albion. Both sides were forced to share the spoils in their Premier League clash at the Amex Stadium on January 4.

Young talent Ethan Nwaneri opened the scoring in the 16th minute for the visitors after an impressive, direct run into the area. The Gunners were unable to double the score for many long minutes, and eventually, in the 61st minute, Joao Pedro scored a penalty for Brighton to equalize.

Speaking about the game, Thomas Partey, who played at right-back, admitted that the dressing room is feeling frustrated with the draw. He said (via Mirror):

"We are sad, frustrated, everybody is down but that's part of football. We wanted to win, we wanted to keep the momentum going and at the end of the day, we didn't get it. But it's also a positive one because we did not lose.

"We have to try our best and win these games because they're the most important ones, but it's not an easy game against a good side and to win here you have to be perfect. We need to forget (about Saturday) and keep on working hard to win our next game."

Arsenal will return to the pitch on Tuesday (January 7), when they face Newcastle United in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final. The match will take place at the Emirates Stadium in north London.

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Arsenal manager shares thoughts on Brighton draw

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has shared his thoughts on their 1-1 draw against Brighton. He was particularly displeased about referee Anthony Taylor's decision to give the Seagulls a penalty, which Joao Pedro scored.

Notably, William Saliba had hit Pedro's head with his own, leading the Brighton striker to crumple to the ground inside the box. The referee pointed to the spot, which surprised Arteta, as the Gunners manager explained after the game to Sky Sports (via Mirror):

"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. I've never seen that in my life – and Saliba touches the ball. [It wasn't one] for me, no."

Arsenal currently sit in second place on the Premier League table. They are three points ahead of Nottingham Forest, who have a game in hand and sit in third place.