Sheffield United and Arsenal disagree over key decision at the Emirates

Mikel Arteta insisted Arsenal were denied a cast-iron penalty during their 1-1 draw with Sheffield United.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

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.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

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.”

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta (above) and Sheffield United's Chris Wilder viewed the decision differentlyArsenal manager Mikel Arteta (above) and Sheffield United's Chris Wilder viewed the decision differently
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta (above) and Sheffield United's Chris Wilder viewed the decision differently

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.”