‘VAR is our true enemy’: VAR release Audio footage today stating why the Kai Havertz goal wasn’t an handball – Arsenal board set to take charge against England FA before tomorrow
“VAR is our real enemy”: VAR report Hearing today about why Kai Havertz’s goal wasn’t a foul – the Arsenal board is going to take charge against the England FA before tomorrow.
The north Londoners lost at Villa Park, just their second loss in the Premier League season. John McGinn’s goal after only seven minutes was the difference.
Arsenal controlled the game for long stretches, especially after each half. They had several chances to tie the game but missed everything they could have.
The Gunners also thought that the referees made a few questionable calls. First, they waved off a penalty call for Jesus, and then Kai Havertz’s goal was called off for handball.
Douglas Luiz flicked the back of Jesus’ calf while he had control of the ball in the area, which looked like contact between the two players. However, both on-field referee Jarred Gillett and the video assistant referee (VAR) did not think the contact was serious enough to give a penalty kick.
Mikel Arteta, the manager, didn’t seem to agree. He said that both choices that went against his team were “clear and obvious,” but Jesus was more diplomatic.
Afterward, he told Premier League Productions, “I felt a touch, but I don’t know the rules, so I guess it’s not a penalty for them.”
“I can’t do anything because I felt someone touch me, and it’s their choice anyway.”
“I’m not sure if the goal is clear handball.” We don’t know what to do; we just have to accept it and focus on the next game. Maybe then we’ll think of a better plan.
About how his team played at Villa Park, he said, “Well I think we played better than the last game [a 4–3 win over Luton Town].”
“I believe we were in charge of the game.” I think we gave up the goal early, and then the game might have gone in a different direction.
“We did well.” You can tell they have a good team because their players are so good. Our attention is now on the next game, but I believe we can win this one.
With the win, Liverpool moved ahead of Arsenal in the Premier League table after beating Crystal Palace with 10 players on the pitch. In two weeks, the two teams will play at Anfield.
