Credit: Imago

Jack Dawson

Sat 11 April 2026 16:04, UK

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Keith Hackett has backed Michael Oliver’s decision to award Arsenal a penalty in their 2-1 defeat to AFC Bournemouth on Saturday.

The Gunners struggled to break down the Cherries throughout, and one of their only real chances came from the penalty incident.

Ryan Christie was adjudged to have handled the ball after Gabriel’s attempted cross inside the box late in the first-half.

Oliver’s decision to give a penalty was then confirmed by VAR, despite the Bournemouth man being mere yards away from Gabriel when the ball was struck.

Nevertheless, Hackett has congratulated Oliver on interpreting the handball law correctly in the shock Arsenal defeat.

Keith Hackett: Michael Oliver was right to give Arsenal penalty vs Bournemouth

Arsenal’s game against Bournemouth had plenty of contentious decisions, but perhaps none were as big as the first-half penalty incident.

While Christie’s arm was outstretched and away from his body, given how close the Bournemouth star was, many questioned if it was even possible for him to move it out of the way.

However, Hackett has confirmed that the law states that a penalty should have been given for the incident, and Oliver was right to award it.

He exclusively told Football Insider: “Yes, a correct interpretation of the handball law. Well done, Michael Oliver, appointed this week to the upcoming World Cup.”

Will Arsenal still win the Premier League title?

Former Everton chief executive Keith Wyness exclusively told Football Insider before the Bournemouth match that Arsenal were feeling the pressure to win the title.

This was clearly on show on Saturday, with the Gunners providing little threat, and were clearly nervous as the game went on.

Now, while they remain nine points clear, Manchester City have two games in hand, and still have to play Arsenal in the Premier League.

Boos at the full-time whistle 🔊

Arsenal drop all three points as Bournemouth take home a 2-1 win at the Emirates 🍒

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— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) April 11, 2026

Nevertheless, Opta on 11 April still believe that the North London club are all but certain to lift the trophy.

The supercomputer has given them a 93.5 per cent chance of winning the title, compared to Man City’s 6.6 per cent.

However, it remains to be seen if the Gunners’ odds will decrease further if Pep Guardiola’s side win their games in hand, and if Arsenal continue to limp towards the finish line.