Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher has given a fresh verdict on Arsenal’s disallowed goal against Aston Villa, following a VAR overturn for handball off of Kai Havertz.
It comes following a disappointing draw at the Emirates Stadium, costing yet more points in the race for the Premier League title.
Mikel Arteta may be left even more frustrated with the Gunners, given the fact they led the match 2-0 with some relative comfort.
Goals from Kai Havertz and Gabriel Martinelli handed that lead to the home side, but it was Youri Tielemans and Ollie Watkins who brought Aston Villa back into it.
Arsenal thought they took the lead once again late on, but VAR deemed that Kai Havertz handballed the strike, disallowing the goal.
It was a controversial decision for some, but one that has since been explained by former referee Dermot Gallagher.
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Dermot Gallagher gives referee verdict on disallowed Kai Havertz goal by VAR
Kai Havertz’s disallowed goal left those of an Arsenal persuasion rather frustrated, given the nature of the decision.
A quick VAR check moved to rule out the strike, with the handball accidental rather than intentional from the striker.
That said, the law states that a telling touch of the hand leading to a goal can be ruled as handball, which was the case with Havertz.
Dermot Gallagher explained as much when he said on Sky Sports News’ Ref Watch: “It does strike his hand, no doubt about it, it does strike his hand.
“He’s unfortunate because he doesn’t know anything about it, but any goal scored off the arm or the hand is going to be given as disallowed.”
Former players Stephen Warnock and Sue Smith both agreed with Gallagher, claiming that it was unlucky but definitely a disallowed goal.
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Arsenal VAR table 2024/25
With the introduction of VAR, clubs have seen the idea of goals being ruled out or given depending on clear refereeing errors.
So far this season, Arsenal have been impacted more than a few other teams with VAR, due to a few overturns.
There have been five overturns in total featuring the Gunners, with one goal overturned in their favour and four against them.
The total VAR difference for Arsenal has been -3, meaning they would’ve been three goals better off based on a world without that technology.
How that would’ve impacted the table is currently unclear, given the way the game would’ve changed based on goals being given or disallowed.
However, Arsenal will feel frustrated that those marginal decisions have gone against them, even if they are clear calls.
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