Former Premier League referee Chris Foy has explained why Arsenal were awarded a penalty against Manchester City. Eddie Nketiah collided with Ederson inside the box after unleashing a strike goal-bound from a tight angle.
The Gunners striker was chasing a loose pass in behind with Kyle Walker in his tracks. As the airborne ball dropped to be struck, Ederson launched himself into Nketiah's stride as if he was doing a jumping-jack.
In the view of Anthony Taylor, the on-field referee, the City shot-stopper impeded the Hale End graduate. The decision was checked by the Video Assistant Referee team, David Coote and his assistant Marc Perry, but they found no reason to overturn Taylor's decision.
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Speaking on Amazon Prime Video, Foy explained why the on-field referee was right to award Arsenal a penalty against the reigning Premier League champions despite the great controversy. The former Premier League official said: "No we don’t [see this type of penalty given all the time], but it’s a good decision and it’s an accurate decision because even though he’s played the ball, Nketiah, he’s clearly tripped by him."
Gael Clichy chipped in and agreed with Foy, claiming that there's no doubt that the correct decision was made. The former Arsenal and City defender said: "I think as a ref sometimes, if you give a second you kill the game.
"The Arsenal fans will want that, but I think it’s sensible to keep the game alive. No [doubt over whether it was a penalty], not at all.
"We talk about follow throughs with anyone on the pitch, if the defender commits a foul like this it’s a free-kick so there’s no excuse on this one. It’s a shame because it’s under control, the defender saves on the line, but that is a penalty, 100 per cent."
There was great controversy at the Emirates Stadium over the weekend when Arsenal locked horns with Brentford. Ivan Toney scored the equaliser versus the Gunners after an offside infringement from Christian Norgaard went unnoticed by Lee Mason.
After the tie, PGMOL chief, Howard Webb, apologised to Arsenal for the error made by Mason on VAR duty. When Arteta was asked whether he was satisfied with the apology, he replied: "I will only be satisfied if they give me the two points back which is not going to be the case."
Despite missing out on two points, Arteta was keen to move on and not use the error as an excuse ahead of the blockbuster City tie. The Spaniard added: "That was the reaction straight away from everybody [to move on]. We can’t do anything about it. Don’t use it as an excuse."
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