Arsenal returned from Premier League action on Boxing Day to face off against West Ham at the Emirates Stadium, able to go seven points clear at the top of the table. With the World Cup break between their last game and the clash with the Hammers - as well as an injury to key striker Gabriel Jesus - there was uncertainty as to how the Gunners would perform on their return.
The home crowd thought their side took the lead early on when Bukayo Saka found the back of the net, but it was ruled out for offside. That potential first-half lead was shortly turned on its head as Jarrod Bowen skipped beyond William Saliba and into the Arsenal box.
The Irons' forward continued for a stride or two to get a shot off, but went down as the ball was cleared shortly after. The referee then pointed to the spot, claiming that Saliba had caught Bowen as he went through on goal, deeming the contact as enough for a foul and a penalty.
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Said Benrahma stepped up soon after and beat Aaron Ramsdale to give his side the lead in a clash that could prove to be a turning point for David Moyes this season. However, Arsenal fans were less than impressed with the refereeing decisions that they felt had gone against them.
Those supporters took to Twitter soon after to let their disagreement with the decisions be known.
@OsmanZtheGooner: Bowen didn’t even appeal for it. Looked nervous when VAR was checking. Very soft
@TheShortFuse: Bukayo Saka was bodyslammed to the ground by Tyrone Mings, and it wasn't given as a penalty. The faintest of touches on Bowen is given. VAR is an embarrassment.
@now_arsenaI: Not all contact is a pen. Bowen lands both feet and then goes down. Not a pen for me but there we go… #afc
@Keion_____: Very soft penalty but also so naive from Saliba to be sliding in like that giving the ref an excuse to give a penalty
@cullen8794: One of the weakest penalties I’ve ever seen. But really poor defending from Saliba. #Arsenal
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