1 week ago
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football.london reviews the big decisions by the officials after Arsenal's 2-3 defeat to Manchester United, including Patrick Dorgu’s goal which could have been ruled out and Harry Maguire’s handball which was waved away by Craig Pawson and VAR
Arsenal endured their first home defeat of the season, beaten by an inspired Manchester United side who were not challenged to the level they needed to be by the Gunners. Mistakes, poor decision-making and nervousness in the stands all contributed to the worst result of the campaign so far.
Within the game, Arsenal looked to set pieces to bail them out of trouble, and when it looked like Mikel Merino had done just that, Matheus Cunha scored the second wonder goal of the game. But there were a couple of other moments that might have changed the complexion of the game.
Referee Craig Pawson did not judge either incident as worthy of a decision being made, nor did VAR. In retrospect, football.london takes a look at each incident to decipher what happened and whether a mistake was made.
Patrick Dorgu handball?
An amazing strike from the wide man, taking the ball down before half volleying an attempt off the crossbar and into the back of the net. Replays show that the ball appears to touch the left arm of Dorgu when he is looking to control it.
FL review – IFAB explains that it is an offence if a player: “scores in the opponents’ goal: immediately after the ball has touched their hand/arm, even if accidental.” There is less than a second between the ball appearing to touch the arm of Dorgu and the player striking the ball beyond David Raya.
The touch can be seen, but the arm is down by his side. This is one of those where it's how harshly you interpret the rules, and I, for one, do not want to see goals like that ruled out for an incident like this and would hope that is applied consistently.
FL verdict – Correct decision, goal stands.
Harry Maguire handball call
Mikel Merino looks to shoot from range. Harry Maguire, in an attempt to block the shot, goes to ground but leads with his right arm as he falls, presumably to stop his fall, and the ball hits the arm. The ball deflects into the arms of the goalkeeper harmlessly.
FL review – IFAB states: A handball offence is not committed when a player: “falls and the ball hits their supporting arm, which is between their body and the ground.” This is tricky…
It’s subjective here whether Maguire’s arm is seen as the “supporting arm” or whether his arm is indeed in an unnatural position. VAR cleared this very quickly, but I believe there is more in this than the Ola Aina example at Nottingham Forest, which I didn’t think was a penalty.
I think there is a very good argument for a penalty to be called in this situation. The arm makes Maguire’s blocking action a far larger target and gives the defender an advantage, and the argument of a supporting arm, I do not believe, is strong enough to claim it was not a clear and obvious error.
FL verdict – Incorrect decision, penalty should have been given.
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