Bournemouth vs Arsenal ref watch: Three decisions Chris Kavanagh got wrong
Chris Kavanagh was a major talking point at the Vitality Stadium as Arsenal claimed a key victory against Bournemouth on Saturday.
Former Head of the PGMOL, Keith Hackett, has been extremely critical of Kavanagh in 2025-26, and he made another handful of questionable decisions in the top-of-the-table clash on 3 January.
Arsenal remain favourites for the Premier League title, with Aston Villa and Man City following shortly behind, but three points on the south coast meant taking a six-point lead after 20 games.
Mikel Arteta, of course, will need to wait until Man City take on Chelsea at the Etihad on Sunday, 4 January, but the title is certainly the Gunners’ to lose this season.
With so much on the line, it was crucial that everyone was on their A-game, even the officials.
Gabriel Magalhaes avoids having his name taken
In the 24th minute, in what was a rollercoaster game for Gabriel Magalhaes, the Brazilian brought down Evanilson rather cynically about 30 yards from his own goal.
It was his second foul of the game, and had Kavanagh been hot on the press with his decisions, it probably should have been a caution for the centre-back.
That would have put the Arsenal man under pressure for the remainder of the game, potentially a game-changing moment, but it was not to be at the Vitality.
Chris Kavanagh almost gives Bournemouth perfect scoring chance
Halfway through the second half, the away supporters were absolutely furious when Kavanagh pointed for a corner kick. Upon watching the replays, it was blatant that the wrong decision had been made.
The Cherries could have equalised to completely change the game, but luckily for the referee, the home side could not make the most of it, and the Gunners were able to clear.
Once again, it could have been a match-defining decision from the officials.
Lewis Cook gets away with blatant grab on Gabriel Jesus
The Gunners had the chance to secure all three points, as Gabriel Jesus attempted to burst into the box. After a tangle with Lewis Cook, however, many were baffled how a free-kick was not awarded.
Jesus appeared to be about to escape his opponent, but with Cook on the ground, he held onto the attacker’s foot, refusing to let go, before his teammates ran away with possession.
Somehow, quite inexplicably, there was no free-kick given. In all honesty, a yellow card should have been shown, but he escaped punishment altogether.