Former referee Dermot Gallagher has discussed the possibility of Arsenal being awarded two penalties in their draw against Chelsea on Sunday afternoon.
The Gunners ran out 1-0 winners over their West London rivals, thanks to a 20th-minute header from Mikel Merino.
Despite securing all three points, Arsenal were left frustrated with Chris Kavanagh’s performance.
The North Londoners felt they could’ve been awarded two spot-kicks on the day, which would’ve made the victory significantly more comfortable.
Dermot Gallagher provides Arsenal penalty verdict after Marc Cucurella handball
With the game at the Emirates poised at 0-0 after 12 minutes, Jurrien Timber chased down Thomas Partey’s ball over the top, and flashed it across the box, forcing Robert Sanchez into a good save in the process.
Amid this melee, Marc Cucurella appeared to touch the ball with his arm, leaning down on it as he attempted to prevent Timber from taking possession at the Blues’ byline.
VAR checked and cleared the incident, deciding that there was no handball infringement from the Spanish left-back.
Speaking on Sky Sports News’ Ref Watch, former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher explained why he didn’t think Arsenal warranted a spot-kick from the occurrence.
“Play on,” he said. “I think it’s high up his arm is tucked in, the forward [Timber] is also a clue for me, he doesn’t think it’s handball and he’s the closest person but I don’t think handball, quite right, play on.
“That would be his argument wouldn’t it? I’m entitled to play the ball that high up my arm but I think play on.”
While Gallagher claims Timber playing on means it’s not a penalty, this shouldn’t be the case.
Cucurella deliberately attempted to prevent an Arsenal attack by using his arm, which should’ve been enough for those in the VAR room to award a penalty.
- READ MORE: Mikel Arteta receives swipe from Enzo Maresca in fresh Arsenal verdict – one Chelsea star agrees
Dermot Gallagher reveals whether Arsenal should’ve had another penalty against Chelsea
In a completely separate incident in the first half, also involving Timber, the Dutch defender was seemingly hauled down by Benoit Badiashile inside the Chelsea box as Arsenal prepared to take a free-kick.
Arguably a foul inside the box, the Gunners were rightly frustrated that very little attention was paid to this infrigement.
Speaking on Ref Watch on Timber’s second appeal, Gallagher said: “I was mystified by this. He shoves him out of the way.
“Is it a penalty? Is it wise to do that? It’s not wise to do that but is it a penalty?
“The ball was dead as well bare in mind, the referee could’ve gone across and spoken to him and had the free-kick retaken.”
While Arsenal ultimately won’t be too bothered by the outcomes of the potential penalty incidents, as they won the game, it’s yet more examples of marginal officiating decisions going against them.
In a season where Mikel Arteta has had to contend with so much injury misfortune, some refereeing going in his team’s favour could’ve made a significant impact on the Premier League title race.
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