Brighton fans were fuming after Arsenal were awarded controversial penalty in the first-half on Saturday.

Tariq Lamptey was deemed to have fouled Gabriel Jesus inside the box and referee John Brooks pointed to the spot. 

VAR reviewed the incident and despite Lamptey getting a touch on the ball first before making contact with Jesus, the on-field decision stood.

And Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka sent Brighton keeper Bart Verbruggen the wrong way as he dispatched his spot kick into the corner of the net.

But fans were unhappy with the decision. 

One fan said: 'Definitely not a pen! Shocking decision. Shame on VAR.'

Another fan said: First contact is outside the box and Lamptey also gets the faintest of touches on the ball… that should be NO PENALTY!

 A third added: 'Lamptey winning the ball is a pen but Odegaard playing basketball in our box isn't. Got it.'

Former Chelsea defender and talkSPORT presenter Jason Cundy also criticised the decision

He said: 'A terrible, terrible decision.

'VAR is there - I see why the ref has given it - and at full speed, you think, 'Yeah, that is a pen,' and then you see it, he gets the ball.

'It's about the ball, he gets the ball, he rushes - it's not a great tackle from Lamptey I have to say - he gives the referee a decision to make.

'But the truth is, VAR have got to step in, it's never a penalty.'

Arsenal maintained their Premier League title charge as goals by Saka, Kai Havertz and Leandro Trossard secured a masterful 3-0 victory at Brighton and Hove Albion that sent them back to the top of the table on Saturday.

Manchester City's earlier victory had dropped Arsenal into third place, but they responded in emphatic fashion to clear what had looked like a tricky obstacle in style.

Arsenal's 10th win in their last 11 league games put them on 71 points from 31 games. Liverpool, who play away at Manchester United on Sunday, are on 70, as are champions Manchester City. 

Arsenal's goal difference is also significantly better than their two rivals.