Sheffield United and Arsenal disagree over key decision at the Emirates

Martin Atkinson, overseeing the match in the VAR suite at Stockley Park, backed referee Mike Dean’s decision not to punish Jack O’Connell’s challenge on Bukayo Saka before John Fleck cancelled-out Gabriel Martinelli’s opener for the hosts.

Although the official’s interpretation of events appeared correct - Saka flinging himself into the air when the United centre-half, making a legitimate attempt to win the ball, brushed his leg - Arteta felt otherwise.

Speaking afterwards, the Basque, who has won only one of his first Premier League fixture since taking charge of Arsenal, said: “The penalty? Yes, it was very clear.”

Chris Wilder, the United manager, revealed he had not even studied footage of the incident when questioned on the subject during his post-match press conference.

“Was it a penalty? I’ve not watched it back,” he said. “I haven’t seen any replays of it.”