Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher has explained the two issues Michael Oliver and the Video Assistant Referee team faced when deciding whether to award Arsenal a penalty in the recent clash against Liverpool.
Thiago Alcantara was seen to have brought down Gabriel Jesus inside the visitors' area after knocking the back of the striker's heel when challenging for a cross. There was great controversy as to whether the contact from the Spain international was sufficient to warrant a spot-kick, with several confrontations breaking out among the on-field players as tempers flared.
The verdict was reviewed by VAR - tended by Darren England and Edward Stuart - which also ruled Arsenal to be awarded a penalty, in agreement with the on-field referee, Oliver. Bukayo Saka kept his cool and neatly dispatched his effort from 12-yards as the Gunners extended their spell at the top of the Premier League, snatching three points from Jurgen Klopp's side in a dramatic 3-2 win.
