Expert: Arsenal victims of major VAR blunder after controversial Gabriel Jesus footage emerges
Arsenal should have had a penalty in their 3-1 win over Tottenham in the north London derby on Saturday (1 October), according to Kevin Campbell.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Arsenal striker insisted Eric Dier fouled Gabriel Jesus and VAR should have intervened.
As shown on the BBC’s Match of the Day programme, when the Gunners were leading 2-1, Jesus entered the penalty area but was not able to get past Dier.
The centre-back and Cristian Romero appeared to squeeze the 25-year-old and he fell to the ground before he was able to complete his pass.
Shortly after the incident, Emerson Royal was sent off and Arsenal were able to secure the three points with a goal from Granit Xhaka.
“I’ve looked at this again, and I felt there was contact,” Campbell told Football Insider assistant editor Dylan Childs.
“If there’s contact in the box and the defender doesn’t get the ball then, arguably, it’s a penalty.
“One thing I keep saying, I’ve seen them given and I’ve seen them given when there’s been less contact.
“But the fact that it wasn’t a penalty and Arsenal won, I’m fine with it.
“I’ve seen those decisions given after referees go and have a look at it on VAR. But he didn’t even have a look at this one.
“I accept it, but I would like to think there is some consistency moving forward.”
The result means Mikel Arteta’s side remained top of the Premier League table.
They are next in action on Sunday (9 October) when they host Liverpool who have only kept two clean sheets in the Premier League this season.
In other news, Arsenal have reached an agreement in principle on a £52million player contract.