Former referee Dermot Gallagher has discussed the possibility of Arsenal being awarded a penalty in their recent draw with Aston Villa.
The Gunners took a two-goal lead in the tie at the Emirates Stadium, only to be pegged back by the Villains and forced to share the spoils.
There was frustration as Kai Havertz’s late goal was disallowed by VAR, sparking discussions over the decision.
Former referee Dermot Gallagher believed Arsenal’s disallowed goal was the right decision, with the ball striking his hand on the way towards the goal.
There was, however, one moment where Arsenal fans felt they could’ve been awarded a penalty in the match, which wasn’t given their way.
Dermot Gallagher reveals Arsenal penalty claim after Aston Villa handball
While plenty of discussions brewed around the disallowed goal for Arsenal, one moment potentially slipped through the cracks of talk between fans.
That being a potential penalty for handball, with Kai Havertz’s push on Ezri Konsa deemed to be a foul, despite the flailing arm of the defender smacking the ball in the box.
There were appeals on the pitch, but the referee had made his call, one that Dermot Gallagher has since explained.
Speaking on Sky Sports News Ref Watch, he said: “The referee whistled before he [Konsa] handled it, so he’s given a foul and what happens afterwards doesn’t matter.
“People say it’s a soft foul but the referee thinks it’s a foul, play stops, so the handball is immaterial.”
Ex-Liverpool defender Stephen Warnock suggested that the defender was fouled, resulting in the right call being made.
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Arsenal problems extend beyond referee calls
While referee calls and VAR have been a subject of discussion, Arsenal must look beyond those talks.
The Aston Villa match was in the hands of the Gunners, having taken a two-goal lead in a clash at the Emirates Stadium.
Regardless of how good the opposition are, the reality is that the team should be able to see out the rest of the match.
Game management, whether that’s going forward or back, simply hasn’t been good enough from Arsenal this season.
The referee and VAR calls wouldn’t be such a sticking point if the side weren’t involved in games for as long as they are.
While Manchester City and Liverpool have shown an ability to take a lead, extend it, and manage a match, Arsenal are still fighting deep into games.
Solving that may take a load off of the players mentally and physically, with it being something they need to work on.
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