Former Premier League official Mike Dean says Arsenal were cost victory against Liverpool from a '50:50' call by referee Anthony Taylor, though it is one he should escape criticism for.
had built themselves a strong foothold in the match against their fellow title-chasers, leading at the break through goals from Bukayo Saka and Mikel Merino either side of a Virgil van Dijk header.
The defence was already missing suspended William Saliba whilst Martin Odegaard and others were still on the recovery path.
Just as it seemed the visitors were more likely to snatch a win, a late flurry saw the hosts push hardest and the ball was actually in the back of the net on 90 minutes. Gabriel Jesus poked in with the goal unguarded after Kai Havertz lobbed Caoimhin Kelleher, though it did not stand the scoreline remained 2-2.
This is because referee Taylor had already blown for a foul committed by Jakub Kiwior on Dominik Szoboszlai. The Poland international had jumped onto the Liverpool midfielder to win the header that then fell to the feet of Havertz. As this intervention was made, VAR was then unable to get involved as it was out of their remit.
"It's more of a soft foul if anything, to be fair he's just penalised the Arsenal player," ex-referee Dean said in response on .
READ MORE:
READ MORE:
"It's probably a 50:50 call, for me," he added, before ultimate praising his fellow official: "He's had a good game the referee, so I can't criticise him for that to be honest with you."
The home side were clearly frustrated - perhaps directly with this costly decision - as a number of them approached Taylor and his assistants once the final whistle had been blown. Jesus was shown a yellow card for his protestations.
You may also like
Princess Leonor handed new title as she's named mayor of city loved by tourists
Martin Brundle apologises to Max Verstappen for brutal put-down at Mexican Grand Prix
Why Anthony Taylor disallowed late Arsenal goal vs Liverpool revealed after Havertz controversy
In 2nd list of 20, Shiv Sena picks Deora, Nirupam & ex-BJP netas
Hyderabad: Fire breaks out at illegal cracker shop in Sadar Bazar; woman injured, several vehicles gutted