‘That’s my feeling’ – Jamie Redknapp ‘amazed’ at major Newcastle vs Arsenal talking point
Newcastle United faced Arsenal in the Premier League, with the visitors having their sights set on returning to second in the Premier League table.
Arsenal were denied a penalty against Newcastle before Nick Woltemade headed home to give the hosts a half-time lead.
Woltemade and Gabriel exchanged blows in the buildup and the aftermath of the goal, with Les Ferdinand feeling the Arsenal defender could have done better.
Arsenal looked to be more aggressive against Newcastle after Mikel Arteta was criticised for his approach against Manchester City a week prior.
Jamie Redknapp ‘amazed’ Arsenal weren’t awarded a penalty
Referee Jarred Gillett initially awarded Arsenal a penalty for Nick Pope’s clumsy challenge on Viktor Gyokeres, but VAR overturned the decision.
Speaking on Sky Sports at half-time, Jamie Redknapp spoke about the incident, saying: “He [Pope] gets a touch, but I’m not sure it’s enough to negate the foul.
“I’m amazed that that got overturned, I have to be honest, we saw something similar last week with Robert Sanchez on Bryan Mbeumo when Sanchez still got sent off even after he got a touch because he still fouls the player.
“That’s my feeling, Gyokeres anticipates it and gets away from him [Pope], but he definitely clears him out, I can see both sides, but I’m surprised it got overturned,” Redknapp said.
VAR at the centre of attention again as Premier League weekend marred by controversy
It was a week to forget for PGMOL and VAR as another Premier League weekend was embroiled in controversy with officials.
Firstly, Nathan Collins escaped a red card for his challenge on Bryan Mbeumo as Man United lost to Brentford, before Josh King was denied a penalty for Fulham in their loss to Aston Villa.
| Major events: Fulham vs Aston Villa | Minutes |
| Raul Jimenez goal: Aston Villa 0-1 Fulham | 3′ |
| Josh King penalty shout: Aston Villa 0-1 Fulham | 22′ |
| Ollie Watkins goal: Aston Villa 1-1 Fulham | 37′ |
| John McGinn goal: Aston Villa 2-1 Fulham | 49′ |
| Emiliano Buendia goal: Aston Villa 3-1 Fulham | 51′ |
Both decisions would have greatly impacted the game state of their respective matches, with Brentford keeping 11 men on the pitch to see out victory, and Aston Villa only having to overcome a one-goal deficit instead of a two-goal one.
Arsenal’s penalty decision is the latest on a poor weekend for VAR, and the discussions around controversial decisions won’t be going away any time soon.