ARS v MUN

[santa sangria]

Dubious "challenge" on Elanga, leaning in from behind. Could be argued it begun outside the area and continued inside.

In another game it’s a penalty. Was astounded it wasn’t even a foul.

 

[RustyRef]

Lots of talking points.

For the handling I don't think Cedric has got a clue where the ball is, he's looking forward and it is behind him. It looks bad, but I don't see how he can have known where the ball was, and presumably that is the view VAR took.

Whilst Elanga had a hand on his shoulder, I don't think it impacted him so no penalty the right call. Holding can now only be given if it impedes the opponent, and for me it didn't.

Definitely a penalty for Arsenal, my only nagging doubt is whether VAR would have got involved had there not been a VAR check. There have been much more obvious fouls where VAR haven't got involved. Could have been worse for Man Utd though as once given there's an argument for DOGSO as certainly not an attempt for the ball.

For the Taveres challenge I can only assume VAR looked at it but as it was outside the area didn't get involved. Looked a clear foul, arguably more so than the penalty given.

I think there is a real argument for offside on the Xhaka goal as De Gea has to move to his right to see round Nketiah, and then can't get back over to the shot. Think he might well have saved it without that first movement as it was nowhere near the corner. Lack of any protests probably made them not get involved, had that been Schmeichel in goal he would have been racing out to protest and I suspect they would have had a look at it.

Bruno Fernandes could easily have seen red. His only saving grace is the impact was low on the leg, but he has gone in straight legged, miles away from the ball, and I definitely think he has intentionally "done him" there.

 

[Ryanj91]

Lots of talking points.

For the handling I don't think Cedric has got a clue where the ball is, he's looking forward and it is behind him. It looks bad, but I don't see how he can have known where the ball was, and presumably that is the view VAR took.

Whilst Elanga had a hand on his shoulder, I don't think it impacted him so no penalty the right call. Holding can now only be given if it impedes the opponent, and for me it didn't.

Definitely a penalty for Arsenal, my only nagging doubt is whether VAR would have got involved had there not been a VAR check. There have been much more obvious fouls where VAR haven't got involved. Could have been worse for Man Utd though as once given there's an argument for DOGSO as certainly not an attempt for the ball.

For the Taveres challenge I can only assume VAR looked at it but as it was outside the area didn't get involved. Looked a clear foul, arguably more so than the penalty given.

I think there is a real argument for offside on the Xhaka goal as De Gea has to move to his right to see round Nketiah, and then can't get back over to the shot. Think he might well have saved it without that first movement as it was nowhere near the corner. Lack of any protests probably made them not get involved, had that been Schmeichel in goal he would have been racing out to protest and I suspect they would have had a look at it.

Bruno Fernandes could easily have seen red. His only saving grace is the impact was low on the leg, but he has gone in straight legged, miles away from the ball, and I definitely think he has intentionally "done him" there.

Think the Nketiah goal/saka penalty showed how VAR can be used properly.

Would agree regarding the DOGSO comment. Through on goal and he does that? No attempt to play the ball whatsoever.

Bruno - should have been a red. Ball was long gone too. It was a disgraceful lash out.

Xhaka's goal - Nketiah clearly offside. That sealed the game, so I'm surprised no player kicked off about it.

 

[Anubis]

Just catching it now on motd.
Tons of talking points
Sorry not sorry but if between referee, Ar, 4th and a var they cannot correctly dismiss Fernandez then I despair. Its violent conduct and a staggering mistake which no wonder leaves punters confused, we see bawhair offsides or glances off finger handballs called no bother but although 60,000 live and a few million tv viewers can see thuggery, , 4 top officials, cannot see violent conduct happening right before their eyes.