Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta says his conversations with refereeing bosses will remain private but he wants officiating to improve following the row over the penalty his side conceded at Sunderland in the Premier League. Arteta claimed the game was unprotected when John Brooks and Video Assistant Referee Stuart Attwell awarded a second-half spot kick following a tussle between Gunners defender Ezri Konsa and Sunderland counterpart Dan Ballard at the Stadium of Light last Saturday.Visiting goalkeeper David Raya saved Enzo Le Fees spot kick, with Arsenal proceeding to win 2-0 helped by Bukayo Sakas added-time penalty to stay perfect this season.Im here to try to give my opinion, defend my club and give the very best to our players, said Arteta. I will make mistakes sometimes but I will try to be as fair as possible.Its not about [a potential] apology; its just agreeing whether the decision should have been different or not. Maybe [refereeing leaders] have a different opinion. Lets try to improve and move forward together.Table of ContentsBrighton vs Arsenal: Arteta respect for HurzelerMikel Arteta: What did Hurzeler say?Mikel Arteta: Arsenal bosss responseWhere to watch Brighton vs Arsenal: TV channel, live online streamBrighton vs Arsenal: Arteta respect for HurzelerArteta said his conflict with Brighton & Hove Albion counterpart Fabian Hurzeler last season is all done and all in the past.Arsenal visit the Seagulls on Saturday for the first time since their controversial win at the Amex Stadium in March, when Bukayo Sakas ninth-minute strike proved the only goal and Hurzeler questioned their tactics afterwards.I have huge respect for Fabian, what hes done and what Brighton have done as a club, said Arteta. Its just remarkable. [This] is going to be a beautiful game to watch, Im sure.After four league games, Arsenal are level on points with Manchester City at the top of the table. Brighton have seven points after winning 5-0 at Coventry City last Sunday, as well as recovering from 2-0 behind to beat Manchester United at Old Trafford in the EFL Cup on Wednesday.Mikel Arteta: What did Hurzeler say?If they win no-one will ask how they win, said Hurzeler, discussing Arsenals approach to slowing down play. They deserve to win it.But in the end, we have to make limits or the Premier League has to make the limits. Where will this go in the future? Thats my question.In one game you play 60 minutes, and then when you play against Arsenal [its] only 50 minutes is this what the supporters are paying for? Do you get my point?Everyone here in the room, did you really enjoy this football game? Im sure maybe one raises his arm because hes a big Arsenal fan, but besides that, no chance.[Referees] just try to do their job the best they can do, but they have to stick to some things and I think the Premier League definitely have to help them more.At the moment, I have the feeling Arsenal are [using] their own rules, no matter how they are playing. Thats why I think its difficult to judge.I will never be that kind of manager who tries to win in that way every team will manage and waste time, but there has to be a limit and the limit has to be set by the Premier League [and] referees. At the moment, they just can do what they want.I ask one question: [have] you [ever seen], in a Premier League game, a goalkeeper going down three times? No? So I think we shouldnt waste too many words about [Raya doing that] tonight.We should focus on us, we should focus on our performance. We cant control these kinds of things. The Premier League has to find the rules and its not my business.Mikel Arteta: Arsenal bosss responseWhen he was asked about Artetas remarks at the time, Arteta sarcastically called them a surprise. You go back to [our] previous games and youll find a lot of comments like this, always, he added.I think they [critics] love our players. I mean, every time they talk about our players, I think they are the most loved ones in the country.[Do I] care? Yeah. Depends. On the comments. And the purpose of that.Hurzeler praised Arsenal on Friday. Last season was last season, he said. Opinions are very important and I will definitely always share mine if I get asked.I congratulate Arsenal for being deserved champions. Theyve started very impressively and are maybe the best team in England, with their squad.Its our challenge to welcome them in our stadium with a special atmosphere.Where to watch Brighton vs Arsenal: TV channel, live online streamThe final game for both teams before the international break starts at 15:00 BST (10:00 ET / 07:00 PT) on Saturday and is not being shown on live TV in the UK.Heres the full list of Premier League international broadcasters. Topics Arsenal F.C. Brighton & Hove Albion F.C. ezri konsa Fabian Hurzeler Mikel Arteta Premier League Add us as a preferred source on Google If you enjoy reading this article, you can help support our independent football journalism by adding 101 Great Goals as a preferred source You Should Also Read Brighton v Arsenal: Preview, expected line-ups, stats and where to watch Mitch Fretton 18th September, 2026 Rio Ngumoha: Why the Liverpool forward will save club �130 million and has a really big chance this season Ben Miller 18th September, 2026 Jaissle: Newcastle to use mounting injury worries as opportunity Nicholas McGee 17th September, 2026 We move on together Alonso happy to have clarity after Chelsea ownership change Nicholas McGee 17th September, 2026 Hutchison issues Wirtz ultimatum after claims he never really considered Liverpool title contenders Mitch Fretton 17th September, 2026 Thats on me Carrick pulls no punches after Man Utds EFL Cup collapse Tom Rostance 16th September, 2026
