Arsenal Have No Right to Complain After Handball Drama vs Man United – Keith Hackett
In a thrilling Premier League encounter at the Emirates Stadium, Manchester United stunned league leaders Arsenal with a dramatic 3-2 victory.
The match, filled with stunning goals and intense controversy, saw United close the gap on the top of the table.
Former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee Keith Hackett has defended referee Craig Pawson‘s decisions on two major handball incidents, insisting Arsenal have no grounds for complaint.
Match Overview: A Five-Goal Thriller at the Emirates
Manchester United, under interim boss Michael Carrick, produced a remarkable performance to secure their second consecutive win against top opposition. The game exploded with goals from both sides:
- Lisandro Martínez‘s own goal put Arsenal ahead early.
- Bryan Mbeumo equalized for United before halftime.
- Patrick Dorgu fired in a spectacular long-range strike in the 50th minute to give United the lead.
- Mikel Merino leveled for Arsenal late on in the 84th minute.
- Matheus Cunha clinched a stunning late winner in the 87th minute.
This result left Arsenal fans frustrated, particularly over two handball calls that went against them, but Hackett believes the referee got both decisions spot-on.
Also Read: What Gabriel Jesus Said to the Referee After Arsenal’s Controversial 2-3 Loss to Manchester United
First Handball Controversy: Patrick Dorgu’s Goal Build-Up
Arsenal supporters were adamant that Patrick Dorgu‘s goal involved a handball in the build-up. However, after VAR checks, referee Craig Pawson allowed the goal to stand.
Keith Hackett praised the decision, stating: “The first one, I’m happy that the player had his hand down by his side when he scored. I’m never going to rule that out.”
He emphasized that the handball law is subjective and often fails to account for natural player movements. In this case, Hackett deemed it a fair goal.
“Handball is a crass law. It’s too open to subjectivity, which creates an inconsistency in match officials.
“We’re looking for deliberate actions, but the lawmakers fail to take into account the movement of players. With the first one, I’m happy that the player had his hand down by his side when he scored.
Second Handball Controversy: Harry Maguire’s Block on Mikel Merino
In the 71st minute, Mikel Merino unleashed a powerful shot from the edge of the box, only for it to strike Harry Maguire‘s hand. Arsenal appealed for a penalty, but Pawson waved play on after another VAR review.
Hackett was equally firm on this incident: “Then, there’s the scenario where the player [Maguire] falls on the ball. That’s not deliberate; that’s not handball. You can’t do anything about that.”
He described both calls as correct and commended Pawson for staying out of the spotlight and delivering a strong performance overall.
Keith Hackett’s Verdict: “Good Calls, Good Game”
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider on The Final Whistle, Hackett criticized the current handball law as “crass” and too open to inconsistency due to subjectivity. Despite this, he hailed Pawson’s handling of the match:
“Good calls, good game, and I think Craig Pawson stayed out of it and had a good performance.”
Hackett’s analysis provides clarity amid the ongoing debate, suggesting the controversies did not unfairly influence the result.
Impact on the Premier League Title Race
Arsenal remain top of the Premier League, but this defeat allows challengers like Manchester City to close the gap significantly. The Gunners’ title hopes took a hit, while United’s resurgence under Carrick continues to impress.
As fans continue to dissect the handball decisions, Hackett’s expert opinion reinforces that Craig Pawson was spot-on, and Arsenal have little right to complain about the officiating in this thrilling clash.
Also Read: Amad Diallo Mocks Arsenal’s Set-Piece Reliance After Manchester United’s Thrilling 3-2 Victory
Arsenal Have No Right to Complain After Handball Drama in Defeat to Manchester United – Keith Hackett