ARSENAL broke THREE incredible records after throwing away a lead to lose 2-1 in a feisty, controversial game at Brighton.
The Gunners’ restart to the season has quickly become a living nightmare – following defeats at Manchester City and now Brighton.
Nicolas Pepe had given Arsenal the lead after Bernd Leno suffered a nasty-looking knee injury.
But Lewis Dunk and then Neal Maupay – who had earlier played a role in the German’s knock – ensured the Gunners traipsed back to North London empty handed.
And in losing to Brighton, Mikel Arteta’s men unwittingly played a role in making Premier League history.
First and foremost, the shock defeat meant Arsenal became the first team to EVER lose a televised 3pm Saturday game.
For decades, 3pm kick-offs on Saturdays were banned from being broadcast – only changed to allow fans to watch from home while banned from going into stadiums.
And the game at the Amex Stadium was the first-ever to be shown… with Arsenal the unlucky losers.
Secondly, Arsenal were unbeaten in Saturday 3pm games for FIVE years going into this weekend’s fixture.
That day, they slipped to a 2-1 defeat against West Brom at the Hawthorns, boasting an impressive record in games since then, though.
However, thanks to their recent love of the Europa League, the Gunners have played many a Thursday night match, meaning many of their games are played on Sundays.
Finally, the Gunners had never been beaten twice by Brighton in the Premier League – albeit a young record, it’s a record broken nonetheless…
Earlier in the game, match-winner Maupay sparked controversy by colliding with Leno, causing a potentially serious knee ligament injury.
He then went on to score in the 95th-minute – the fifth minute of just four to be added on – as the Seagulls ruined a sunny trip to the seaside for Arsenal.
It sparked ugly scenes at the Amex too, with Matteo Guendouzi appearing to grab Maupay by the throat.
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By: Dave Fraser
Title: Arsenal break THREE incredible records after throwing away lead to lose 2-1 in controversial Brighton clash
Sourced From: www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/11913232/arsenal-break-three-records-brighton-loss/
Published Date: Sat, 20 Jun 2020 17:07:04 +0000
