Keith Hackett amazed at Anthony Taylor over Bruno Fernandes controversy vs Arsenal
Keith Hackett found it “amazing” that Anthony Taylor failed to correctly line-up Arsenal’s wall in the draw against Man United.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that whilst Taylor delivered a very good performance, the referee had failed to correctly “apply the basics”, when managing the Gunners’ defensive wall.
Following the 1-1 draw with Man United, Arsenal have won just one game, in their last seven Premier League fixtures, and now sit 15 points behind Liverpool.
Despite demolishing PSV 7-1 in the Champions League in their previous game, the Gunners looked limp in attack, struggling to score against the Red Devils, who were forced to give Ayden Heaven an impromptu Premier League debut, after Leny Yoro was substituted following an injury.
Mikel Arteta is now under pressure at Arsenal, with some fans asking as to whether the Spaniard is the right man for the job.
Anthony Taylor at fault for Man United captain’s free kick
One of the major talking points came after Bruno Fernandes beautifully nestled a freekick in the top corner, on the stroke of halftime.
As United looked to make a late break, Leandro Trossard clumsily dragged down Alejandro Garnacho 25 yards out from goal.
The Red Devils’ Portuguese maestro then stepped up, and looped the ball above Gabriel and Mikel Merino.
However, as some fans noticed after it was highlighted online, the Arsenal wall appeared to be a standing slightly further back than usual.
This sparked criticism of Taylor online, with a few supporters believing the referee had managed to miscount the amount of steps he had taken, when positioning the wall.
Whilst not an exact science, it was a surprising mistake from the referee, who is often regarded as one of the best in the world.
Keith Hackett analyses Arsenal’s defensive wall
The meeting between the two historic rivals was a typically tense affair, with the game opening up in the second half, as Arsenal went in search of an equaliser, and then a match-winner, whilst United looked to sit deep and counter the Gunners’ aggression.
Taylor received praise from Hackett for his overall performance, but the ex-PGMOL chief told Football Insider exclusively the referee had made a basic error for Fernandes’ opener, saying:
“[It is] amazing that a world class referee failed to apply the basics of managing a defensive wall, formed at a direct free kick close to the goal.
“The process [is to] ensure that the ball is correctly positioned, and remind the kicker not to move it, and advise them to await the signal.
“In your pre-match instructions to your assistant referees, you ask them to alert you if the attacking team do move the ball.
| 2024/25 Premier League standings | Games played | Goal difference | Points |
| 1. Liverpool | 29 | +42 | 70 |
| 2. Arsenal | 28 | +28 | 55 |
| 3. Nottingham Forest | 28 | +12 | 51 |
| 4. Chelsea | 28 | +17 | 49 |
“[You then] pace out the 10 yards (9.15m) to the side of the wall, and any player less than 9.15m, you ask them to retire to the distance using your spray to indicate the distance.
“Then ensure that the attacking players maintain the required one meter distance between them, and the defending wall.
“The referee now moves back to the optimum viewing position, and signals for the kick to be taken, that signal does not necessarily mean a blast on the whistle.
“Anthony, do not forget the basics, you delivered a very good performance.”