Arsenal fans and players are totally disappointed with the decision the referee made on the handball incident. Many believe that it was a handball from Declan Rice. However, that decision didn’t go their way and it led to a penalty for West Ham. They went on to score the penalty and after scored again to hold Arsenal to a draw. This was an excellent result for West Ham but a poor result for Arsenal.
Arsenal are disappointed with VAR
Arsenal manager and the fans believe that it was a clear handball. They were angry with the fact that VAR didn’t check it thoroughly. Arsenal believe VAR made a mistake. This could possibly tilt the title in favour of Manchester City.
Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey was too relaxed and overconfident when picking up the ball. Declan Rice did well to close him down. The ball then quickly fell to Lucas Paqueta who was fouled and so referee Coote pointed to the spot. They went on to score that penalty. But in the build up it looks like Rice has handled the ball which would have resulted in a foul for Arsenal.
When speaking to BBC Sport Arteta didn’t balme the handball but was angry at his teammate for being so sloppy. He went on to say:
“We started incredibly well, dominated the game, dominated the pitch, and scored two beautiful goals. After that, we made a huge mistake; not to continue playing, to score the third and the fourth.“
“We started keeping the ball and giving sloppy passes away. We allowed them [West Ham] transition moments, and did not dominate the direct play. And then it’s game on. If you concede the goals that we conceded, the first one and the second one, and on top of that you don’t score a penalty, in this league you are in big trouble.”
Manchester City are inching closer and closer to Arsenal. They could go ahead of Arsenal if they win vs them at the Etihad.
