Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher claims that Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale was “lucky” in the outcome of a challenge on West Ham forward Jarrod Bowen. While it appears that the shot-stopper, who rushed out to stop the ball, clipped the winger, a booking was given for simulation.
It was a key moment in the game as the Gunners went on to win 2-1, with goals from Rob Holding and Gabriel either side of Bowen’s strike giving Mikel Arteta an important three points. It takes the side up to fourth in the table, leapfrogging North London rivals Tottenham and putting them three points behind Chelsea in third.
Discussing the win, the Spaniard was critical of elements of the display, but praised their character: "It’s a massive win, under very difficult circumstances because we put ourselves in real problems, especially with our decision making and ball possessions, the spaces we were attacking, and the timing of it and the efficiency of it. But the team showed huge character, not giving up, to continue trying to do the right things.
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“The way they fought, the way they understood how they have to manage the game in certain moments, with the way we defended, because we didn't concede anything, it was phenomenal. In England you say ‘win ugly’, I think from my point of view today we won ugly, and I’m extremely happy to see a team that has this capacity to find a way to win and show the character that they showed today.”
However, things during and after the game came back to one point of contention, which was the Ramsdale tackle. A ball over the top found its way outside the Arsenal area, where the England international came charging out.
While he didn’t make initial contact with Bowen, who already started going to ground, he did catch the attacker's trailing leg with his boot. Mike Dean blew the whistle for simulation, booking the Hammers forward, while VAR saw no issue.
However, former referee Dermot Gallagher has claimed that the shot stopper was "lucky" to get that outcome. "On balance, I think the best decision would probably be no yellow card for simulation," he told Sky Sports. "Let's accept the goalkeeper went rashly, if you like, the player took evasive action, but he didn't simulate.
"I don't think a player has to suffer serious injury for it to be a serious offence. I do think it is very difficult to pull out a red card for a player who hasn't made contact with another player. I don't say impossible, but it is very difficult.
"On this occasion, the goalkeeper was rash. He took a risk. The goalkeeper has in his mind that he's got to stop the player and I think he's got lucky. Bowen had to evade him, there is no doubt about it, and that is why I think no yellow card.
“If the referee had just given a throw-in, I think that'd be more acceptable. Bowen is the one I feel sorry for. I'm very glad he didn't suffer injury, but he was unlucky to get a booking."
While Ramsdale may have been lucky with the outcome, he wouldn’t be the first to be put under pressure as a sweeper keeper rushing out. Up next is struggling Leeds United, and they will be hoping that the current run of form can continue into another key battle.
