Former Premier League Referee Claims Arsenal Were Robbed of Clear Penalty vs Southampton

• Former Premier League referee Mark Halsey has claimed that Arsenal were denied a penalty during their clash against Southampton
• Halsey believes the Gunners should have been awarded a spot kick in the first half of the match, after Gabriel Jesus was fouled in the area
• The tie ended in a 1-1 frustrating draw, with Mikel Arteta's men suffering a blow in their Premier League title charge

A former Premier League referee has poked holes in the level of refereeing during Arsenal's clash with Southampton on Sunday, October 23.

The two sides played out a 1-1 draw at Saint Mary's Stadium, as the Gunners dropped points for only the second time this season.

Swiss midfielder Granit Xhaka handed the visitors an early lead in the first half of the clash with a powerful finish.

However, Mikel Arteta's charges were unable to protect the lead, allowing Stuart Armstrong to cancel out Xhaka's goal in the second half.

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While Arsenal were the dominant side, especially in the first half, they had themselves to blame for not putting the game to bed as they missed several golden goal scoring chances.

Be that as it may, they were also victims of controversial refereeing, with a number of decisions taken by the centre referee going against them.

Arsenal denied penalty vs Southampton

Mark Halsey, a former Premier League referee, has now claimed that Arsenal were actually denied a 'clear penalty.'

According to the ex-match official, the north Londoners should have had an opportunity to double their lead in the first half from the penalty spot, after an incident involving Gabriel Jesus.

The Brazilian forward was hauled to the ground by defender Duje Caleta-Car in the dangerous area, only for Robert Jones to wave play on.

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Halsey pointed out that the decision not to award a penalty has 'highlighted the inconsistency of decision-making by officials.'

"Arsenal should have been awarded a first-half penalty when Gabriel Jesus was hauled down by Southampton's Duje Caleta-Car," he wrote in The Sun via Daily Mail.

"The incident highlighted the inconsistency of decision-making by officials this weekend, with Chelsea and Aston Villa benefitting in similar situations."

Jesus sends Arsenal teammates message

Earlier, Sports Brief reported Gabriel Jesus has voiced his frustration after Arsenal were humbled by Southampton on Sunday at St. Mary's.

The Gunners, who have been in hot form, could not see off the Saints in a tough Premier League clash that ended a 1-1 draw.

Jesus has reminded his teammates of the need to bounce back soon to sustain their EPL title charge.