‘Bukayo Saka’s safety endangered’ – PGMOL expert re-analyses Arsenal controversy
Chris Kavanagh got it spot-on after Leif Davis was shown a straight red card in Arsenal’s 4-0 win over Ipswich, Keith Hackett has said.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that Davis’ “forceful” challenge on the back of Bukayo Saka‘s Achilles left Kavanagh with no other choice at Portmand Road.
Arsenal were already firmly in the driving seat and heading towards a comfortable 2-0 half-time lead in East Anglia; with Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli’s goals putting the Gunners in cruise control.
Saka missed three big chances alone before the half-time whistle sounded and was withdrawn early in the second period, with Martinelli and his replacement Ethan Nwaneri netting two more goals for Arsenal.
Bukayo Saka victim of horror tackle in Arsenal clash
Had Saka been at his lethal best at Portman Road, Arsenal could have been out of sight long before his coming-together with Davis in the 32nd minute – a challenge which almost saw him lose a boot.
Martin Odegaard was already prone on the deck as Kavanagh called play one, but he immediately blew for a foul which Davis lunged in on Saka from behind, raking his studs down the Arsenal star’s Achilles.
| Ipswich | Statistic | Arsenal |
| 0 | Goals | 4 |
| 0.21 | xG | 2.72 |
| 0 / 4 | Shots on Target | 7 / 24 |
| 25% | Possession | 75% |
| 0 | Corners | 12 |
The force of the challenge sent Saka flying up into the air and soon back down clutching his ankle, and after giving Davis a quick talking-to, Kavanagh didn’t even need to consult VAR before raising a red card.
Hackett, was in full agreement with Kavanagh’s decision having viewed replays of the incident, and saw no need for a second review from VAR given the nature of the challenge from the Ipswich left-back.
Chris Kavanagh hailed for Bukayo Saka decision
After being asked by Football Insider to give his verdict on the challenge itself from Davis and the swift nature of Kavanagh’s decision to brandish a red card, the former FIFA referee said:
“Chris Kavanagh was ideally positioned with a good viewing angle to see and recognise that challenge on the back of Saka’s Achilles, bringing him to the ground”, Hackett told Football Insider.
“It was a challenge that had a degree of malice and force, it was unnecessary and it endangered the safety of the opponent – thankfully Chris Kavanagh acted correctly and quickly.
“A good piece of officiating from the referee. Well done to him.”
A 4-0 pummelling leaves Ipswich on the brink of relegation, and previous transfer links between Davis and Newcastle may be less likely to fruition based on his performance against the Gunners.
Arsenal, meanwhile, do their points tally and goal difference no harm Portman Road, although fans will have their fingers crossed that Saka being forced off early doesn’t mean long-term damage has been done.