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We witnessed yet another defeat for Tottenham this weekend, but many would say the referee had a big impact on the North London Derby.
Spurs went into the game against Arsenal with tentatively high spirits, with Igor Tudor gearing up for his first outing as interim manager and the chance to derail the Gunners’ title charge in sight.
However, things didn’t go to plan. Despite the scores being level at half-time, the Lilywhites ended up on the wrong end of a 4-1 scoreline, and it became abundantly clear that Tottenham’s problems run deep.
It could all have been very different, though, had Randal Kolo Muani’s second goal not been chalked off for a controversial foul.
VAR made the right call on Tottenham’s second ‘goal’
Shortly after the break, Viktor Gyokeres scored a fine goal from outside the box to put the Gunners back in the lead. We didn’t have to wait too long for the ball to be in the back of the net again, though, with Kolo Muani slotting it past David Raya.
However, the goal was ruled out immediately, with the Spurs attacker adjudged to have pushed Arsenal defender Gabriel in the back before scoring.
It was a divisive call, with many claiming the Gunners man went down a little too easily. But, should Kolo Muani have been given the goal? Dermot Gallagher doesn’t think so.
Gallagher told Sky Sports: “The referee gives it. The on-field decision is always going to stand, he thinks there is enough of a push. VAR is never going to say he’s got it wrong as the evidence is there.”
It’s a particularly frustrating one given Spurs were beaten by a Hugo Ekitike goal against Liverpool earlier this season, despite the Reds striker pushing Cristian Romero in the back. Once again, it’s the fact that there is no consistency across the decisions that is really making people angry.
Should Gabriel have been sent off for Randal Kolo Muani challenge?
Another incident involving Kolo Muani and Gabriel was also up for contention. In the first half, the Tottenham man appeared to be breaking through on goal, but Gabriel put his arm across to block Kolo Muani.
Some had suggested Gabriel could even have been sent off for a last-man foul, but the Arsenal man was instead given a free-kick after taking a tumble.
On that matter, Gallagher told Sky Sports: “I don’t think it’s a red card at all. If he gives a foul, I accept that. The ball runs through to the keeper. The striker isn’t in possession of the ball.
“I don’t think there’s any danger of him being sent off, but if he gives a foul, he can’t argue.”
If Gabriel had been sent off there, you have to imagine the game would have turned in Tottenham’s favour. Alas, Gabriel was not added to the list of red cards in the North London Derby, and Arsenal’s dominance in recent years continues.
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