Arsenal faced off with Tottenham in the North London Derby, with Mikel Arteta looking to register three wins on the bounce against their rivals.
The Gunners went into the clash in far-from-ideal shape, with injuries to Mikel Merino and Martin Odegaard emphasised further by the suspension of Declan Rice.
It put Arsenal in a disadvantageous situation, with the side weathering an early storm from Spurs in the match.
The match got especially heated early on, with several yellow cards dished out by Jarred Gillett for some meaty challenges.
Then there was the situation surrounding Jurrien Timber, who may have been fortunate enough to get away with staying on the pitch.
- READ MORE: Paul Merson surprised by Raheem Sterling decision as Mikel Arteta explains North London Derby move
Why Jurrien Timber wasn’t sent off by VAR in the North London Derby
Timber got caught in a clash with Pedro Porro, with the duo going in for a 50-50 and the latter coming worse off.
The Arsenal star carried on playing, which prompted anger from Guglielmo Vicario, who picked up the defender by the collar.
This created ugly scenes between the two teams in the North London Derby as VAR checked for a potential red card in regard to Timber’s challenge.
Gillett’s initial decision of a yellow card was upheld, with no sign of dangerous play involved in the challenge.
Speaking on Sky Sports, Gary Neville revealed the decision he heard from the VAR feed, saying: “Just hearing what has been fed into the VAR at Stockley Park.
“They said Timber puts his foot on the ball and it doesn’t roll over, which is what saved it from being a red card.”
It may have been a relatively fortunate decision, but one that Arsenal needed to keep the game on an even level.
The Premier League match centre account added an explanation on social media, saying: “The referee issued a yellow card to Timber for a challenge on Porro.
“VAR checked for a potential red card and confirmed the referee’s call of no red card, deeming this was a reckless challenge and not serious foul play.”
- READ MORE: Bukayo Saka shares two boyhood North London Derby memories that gave him ‘the biggest smile’
Jurrien Timber decision needed for Arsenal
Arsenal needed to keep 11 men on the pitch through the North London Derby, lest they have a disadvantage for the match and more suspension issues.
It outlined the challenges of a highly physical and emotional game between the two sides in a huge clash.
For the Gunners, the task is simply getting in, getting a win and getting out without any casualties.
Receive a digest of our best Arsenal content each week direct to your mailbox
