Alan Shearer has claimed that Arsenal were unlucky not to be awarded a penalty during their Premier League clash against Bournemouth.
The Cherries took an early lead at the Emirates Stadium, with midfielder Philling Billing scoring the second-fastest goal in Premier League history. Mikel Arteta's side were then denied a penalty after it looked like Cherries defender Chris Mepham handled the ball in the penalty area.
Referee Chris Kavanagh did not point to the spot and VAR agreed with the referee following a close look, a decision that incensed Arsenal players. Newcastle icon Shearer admitted that the home side were unlucky to not be awarded a spot-kick.
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"Absolutely they could have [had a penalty]", he said. "This would have been given last season, no doubt about that.
"[Though] the bar is slightly higher this season, Bournemouth have been extremely lucky there." Former Manchester City goalkeeper Shay given echoed Shearer's thoughts, admitting that he thought Kavanagh made a mistake.
Given: "I think that's a handball."
There were two other VAR checks for potential handbells in the second-half, neither of which were given. Takehiro Tomiyasu was also brought down in the first-half, with VAR giving it a close look before waving play on.
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