‘This will upset Arsenal fans’ – Ex-PGMOL chief re-analyses penalty controversy
Anthony Taylor has been praised for his performance after Arsenal were denied in their calls for a penalty v Man United at Old Trafford.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that Taylor was “top-class” throughout the game, and was correct to wave away penalty claims.
This came as Arsenal struggled to get one over on their rivals, ultimately drawing 1-1 after Declan Rice equalised from Bruno Fernandes’ first-half free kick.
After picking up just one point on the road, Mikel Arteta’s side have won just three of their last seven Premier League games, and have fallen 15 points behind Liverpool.
As a result, Arsenal fans are asking questions of Arteta amid building pressure and frustrations about their latest Premier League title attempt.
Arsenal penalty claims waved away after Man United controversy
The game’s most controversial incident came when the ball appeared to strike the arm of Heaven inside the Man United box, but the Gunners’ claims for a penalty fell on deaf ears.
A free-kick delivered into the area caused concern for the United defence as they initially failed to clear amid shouts for the referee to make a decision.
The call was then checked by VAR official Paul Tierney while the game was ongoing, but the calls for a spot kick were again quickly waved away.
Replays during the game were quickly shared to social media, where fans were insisting they had been “robbed” by Taylor’s decision.
However, since Heaven unintentionally headed the ball down onto his arm which remained in a natural position, the officials were correct to stick with the on-field decision of no penalty.
Keith Hackett praises Anthony Taylor after Man United decision
Amid the intensity of a high-pressure game between two rivals at Old Trafford, the referee remained composed and got the majority of his big decisions right.
Hackett was quick to praise Taylor for his “top-class” refereeing performance, and insisted he was correct to wave away Arsenal’s appeals for a penalty.
“Anthony Taylor delivered a top-class performance in the Man United v Arsenal game,” he told Football Insider.
“He was correct in law to turn down Arsenal appeals for a penalty kick.
“The ball hit the head of the defender and bounced on to the arm.
“It wasn’t deliberate, and of course the body shape was natural.
“I know this will probably upset a number of Arsenal fans, but Anthony Taylor got this one right.”
Amid the frustration aimed at Taylor, Arsenal fans were also fuming at Leandro Trossard after his “embarrassing” performance.
After the disappointment of a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford, Arsenal will now turn their attention to the second leg of their Champions League clash v PSV.
Arteta’s side hold a 7-1 aggregate lead and are expected to ease into the quarter final, where they will face the winners of Atletico Madrid v Real Madrid.
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