Former Premier League referee Howard Webb has weighed in on the controversial penalty decision during Liverpool’s 1-1 draw with Arsenal last month, revealing his belief that the Reds should have been awarded a penalty. Webb’s insights come after the release of VAR audio in the latest episode of Match Officials Mic’d Up.During the match on December 23 at Anfield, referee Chris Kavanagh denied Liverpool a penalty when Mohamed Salah attempted to flick the ball around Martin Odegaard, resulting in the ball hitting the Arsenal captain’s arm.
Despite Liverpool’s appeals, a VAR review upheld Kavanagh’s on-field decision. Webb, along with former Liverpool striker Michael Owen, disagreed with the VAR analysis. Webb highlighted that Odegaard, who had slipped, intentionally pulled his arm back towards his body when the ball made contact, gaining an advantage. Webb argued that the game expected a penalty in such a situation, emphasizing the importance of Odegaard’s deliberate action.
Webb also supported other VAR decisions, including the red card for Fulham’s Raul Jimenez at Newcastle and the penalty awarded for Tottenham’s Dejan Kulusevski’s sustained tug on Brighton striker Danny Welbeck. He further backed Manchester City’s crucial penalty at Everton and surprisingly supported VAR Michael Salisbury’s decision to allow Luton’s last-gasp leveler at Turf Moor, despite Burnley’s protests.
Nice to hear Howard Webb admit that this was a penalty.
The more you watch, the more you question the integrity of the referee and VAR officials. Odegard literally played basketball.
Liverpool were victims of blatant robbery.
PGMOL should apologizepic.twitter.com/6raxdsbUnf
— 𝙸𝚣𝚣𝚢 (@Izzy_ball007) January 16, 2024
Arsenal performance and stats
Arsenal is currently 4th in the Premier League with 40 points.
In the last 20 games, it has won 12 times, drawn 4 times, and lost 4 times. In its last match, Arsenal lost 2-1 against Fulham.
It has a positive goal difference after scoring 37 goals and conceding 20.
Arsenal will play the next match in Premier League against Crystal Palace on Saturday 20th of January in London. The prediction is Arsenal winning the match.
Liverpool performance and stats
Liverpool is currently 1st in the Premier League with 45 points.
In the last 20 games, it has won 13 times, drawn 6 times, and lost once. In its last match, Liverpool won 4-2 against Newcastle United.
It has a positive goal difference after scoring 43 goals and conceding 18.
Liverpool will play the next match in Premier League against AFC Bournemouth on Sunday 21st of January in Bournemouth. The prediction is Liverpool winning the match.
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