The decision not to award Arsenal penalty for a challenge on Bukayo Saka during their win over Leicester surprises some.
In the match against Leicester City, Harry Souttar bundled over Bukayo Saka in the box. Many waited for referee Craig Pawson to point to the spot in what was a frustrating afternoon of officiation decisions for the Lague leaders.
VAR chalked off a goal scored by Leandro Trossard, but Ian Wright was particularly angered by the failure to award his former side a penalty.
Regardless, Arsenal were able to secure their win with Gabriel Martinelli scoring the only goal. This allowed Arteta’s side to maintain their leads at the summit after Man City claimed their three points against Bournemouth.
Wright, though, was left bemused that the referee didn’t point to the spot when Saka was clearly impeded by his opponent. He said, “that was a ridiculous decision. A phenomenal mistake”.
Mikel Arteta, who has had his run-ins with officials also refused to get draw on the decision after the win. He said, “I don’t know. I havent seen that Image. It’s over now. I dont want to be taliing about these situations too much. We are extremenly happy to win these two away games against Aston Villa and Leicester. We deserved to win the games with the way we played. Now onto the next one against Everton.”
Despite that, Arteta was pleased with Trossard’s display as he enjoyed a rare start ahead of Eddie Nketiah. Arteta added, “he did really well. I think he was really good. He got involved in many situations that could have ended up in many more big chances”.
“He was involved in the incredible goal that he scored that was disallowed, invloved in the goal of Gabi, the pass that he played to him. He’s so good in small spaces, tight spaces, with his creativity to open people up and I’m really happy with him”.
Arsenal will next take on Everton and Bournemouth at the Emirates as they play twice in a matter of days as the season enters its final stretch. The Europa League knockout stages have also resumed with Arsenal gearing up to face Sporting Lisbon in the next fortinight.