Controversial Calls in Arsenal's Win Over Man Utd Analyzed by Ex-Referee

Key Decisions Scrutinized in Tense Old Trafford Clash

Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher returned to Sky Sports News' Ref Watch to analyze contentious moments from Arsenal's victory over Manchester United, sparking debate over officiating standards.

Penalty Debate: Saliba vs. Cunha

The most heated discussion centered on William Saliba's challenge on Matheus Cunha in the box. While referee Simon Hooper waved play on, pundit Jay Bothroyd insisted: "It's a guaranteed penalty. Saliba hits his foot, and the ball goes nowhere." Gallagher countered: "VAR wouldn't intervene here. The referee's on-field decision was crucial."

Goalkeeper Controversy in Arsenal Winner

Questions arose over Riccardo Calafiori's winner after contact with goalkeeper Altay Bayındır. Gallagher dismissed claims of a foul: "The keeper initiated contact. No infringement occurred." Bothroyd criticized Bayındır's positioning: "He's caught out – needs to be stronger."

Refereeing Approach Praised

Gallagher applauded Hooper's management: "He allowed physicality but maintained control. Players adapted, making for a competitive match." Bothroyd concurred: "Fewer soft fouls improved the game's flow."

Premier League's New Wall Rule Sparks Chaos

In a separate incident, Crystal Palace's Eberechi Eze saw a free-kick disallowed against Chelsea due to Marc Guehi's proximity to the defensive wall. Gallagher explained: "Attackers must stay 1m from walls with 3+ defenders. Guehi breached this, triggering an indirect free-kick."

The decision reignited debates about VAR's role, with Micah Richards lamenting: "It feels like VAR is anti-goals." Roy Keane urged attackers to "study the updated laws" to avoid similar setbacks.