What Howard Webb was spotted doing during Arsenal clash amid Kai Havertz comparison

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Catch all the latest Arsenal news, including updates on Howard Webb, Arsenal VAR, Declan Rice and Kai Havertz.

What Howard Webb was doing during Arsenal VAR check

Arsenal fans were left bemused by VAR and refereeing decisions going against them in the side’s defeat to Bournemouth in the Premier League.

The Gunners saw a poor backpass from Leandro Trossard sail over the head of William Saliba and into the path of Evanilson.

The Frenchman pulled at the short of the striker, bringing him to the ground and prompting a yellow card from the referee Rob Jones.

A VAR review then overturned that decision to give a red card instead, which caused plenty of controversy.

Many were confused about PGMOL chief Howard Webb’s role as he was spotted in the crowd with an earpiece in.

It was, however, later confirmed that he was simply listening to the communications rather than having any input in the decision.

Read more on Howard Webb and Arsenal, here.

Theo Walcott gives verdict on Declan Rice

Former Arsenal star Theo Walcott was refreshed by the verdict Declan Rice gave after the side’s defeat to Bournemouth over the weekend.

The midfielder claimed the side let their standards slip in a crucial game, which wasn’t helped by William Saliba’s red card.

When discussing Rice, Walcott said on Sky Sports: “It was really refreshing to actually see a player come out and be open and honest about everything.

“At times, we interview the players and they say the same answers. You want to get a little bit more out of them.

“But I think he has really given an insight into how much he really cares and how much as a group of players they really care and want to achieve things. And I think it’s refreshing to see that.

“Declan, for me, he is growing into the stature where Arsenal want to see him, a captain, a leader, and you could see that in that interview there.”

Read more on Theo Walcott and Declan Rice, here.

Pundit ranks Kai Havertz and Dominic Solanke

TalkSPORT pundit Tony Cascarino has given his verdict on Arsenal star Kai Havertz and Tottenham ace Dominic Solanke.

The pair both lead the line for their respective north London clubs, but with very different skillsets, which was underlined by the former Chelsea man.

“Havertz does a job for Arsenal, he is a talented lad in many different ways. Is he a solution down the middle? I don’t think so,” Cascarino said on talkSPORT.

“I was at Tottenham yesterday, Solanke literally was a battering ram. He led the line brilliantly, he brought other players into the game.

“I think Havertz is more technical than Solanke but I think as an actual centre-forward that brings everyone up the pitch, I think Solanke does it way better after watching Havertz yesterday.”

Read more on Kai Havertz comparison, here.