Jakub Kiwior makes ‘lost’ statement amid Arsenal defeat to Brighton and Gary Neville comment

Arsenaldefender Jakub Kiwior admits he had hoped VAR would rule out Brighton’s opener against the Gunners.

Kiwior's boot was removed in a challenge with Evan Ferguson as Brighton went on to take advantage of the Poland international lying on the floor.

Julio Enciso was left unmarked to head past goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, with Sky Sports co-commentator Gary Neville suggesting the young centre back should have attempted to stay on his feet.

“I felt contact and lost my boot,” Kiwior told Viaplay after the game.

“I didn’t even see the goal. I hoped VAR would intervene and rule out the goal, but unfortunately the referee saw it differently.

“After we conceded the second goal, our heads dropped and we couldn’t come back.”

The Gunners went on to lose the match 3-0 with Deniz Undav and Pervis Estupinan wrapping up the win for Roberto De Zerbi’s impressive side.

“I actually think that is a foul,” said Sky Sports pundit Micah Richards after the game.

“Ferguson’s foot just catches him. And I know the guys are going to say he could have been stronger. But his boot comes off.

“People say you’ve got to be stronger – of course you can. You need to win to get the three points. But he’s not got a boot on his foot.

“In my opinion that is a foul and I think it should have been disallowed that goal.”

Arsenal are now four points adrift of first placed Manchester City, with Pep Guardiola's side edging closer to winning their third successive league title.