Former referee Dermot Gallagher has taken a sly dig at Arsenal’s Kai Havertz after the forward played a role in dismissing Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konate.
The French international was shown a second yellow card after a shove on Havertz after the Germany international had beaten his man late in the second half.
Having already been booked from an earlier foul on Havertz, Konate was given his marching orders as the Liverpool defender saw his side lose 3-1 at the Emirates Stadium.
Yet speaking on Sky Sports News, former referee Gallagher made the claim that Havertz did himself no favours in going down so easily when blocked by Konate, though the action was still a bookable offence.
Gallagher said when asked about Konate’s second yellow card: “Sometimes players don’t do themselves any favours, he knocks him off balance but he doesn’t go anywhere near his face.
“But what he’s done is taken his line, he knows he’s getting past him, and with the block, everyone was expecting the second yellow card.”
Kai Havertz played the situation perfectly for Arsenal
A good claim can be made that Havertz played up a bit for the foul to ensure that Konate received a second yellow card, though the Frenchman assured that himself with his aggressive block.
Yet Havertz was a thorn in Liverpool’s side all game, with Mikel Arteta making the right decision in starting the former Chelsea man up top with Gabriel Jesus out injured.
Indeed, whilst the future for Havertz is likely in Arsenal’s midfield, the versatile 24-year-old showed that he can be an unorthodox option to lead the line for the Gunners if needed.
And against big teams, Havertz is yet to let the north London side down, with the Germany international starting to prove his worth with Arsenal as the season has progressed.
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