A day of high-drama at the London Stadium had a major impact at both ends of the Premier League table.
While Manchester United’s goalless draw with Sunderland was not a game anybody is going to remember, the final game of the Premier League weekend will be.
West Ham were defeated 1-0 by Arsenal in a match with consequences in the title race and the relegation battle.
A late Hammers equaliser was ruled out for a foul by West Ham striker Pablo on goalkeeper David Raya. It was cancelled out following a VAR check.
Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville was on commentary for Sky Sports, and he backed the call.
“I have to say the big striker has got his arm across David Raya. He does disrupt him.
“I think it’s a foul. His arm is held on Raya. It’s on him all the time. He’s holding across his neck and chest. I think it’s a foul.”
OK, fair.
But what has grated fans all season long is the glaring inconsistencies in the application of the rules.
By referees, VAR, and pundits too, including Neville on this occasion.
WHAT is the WORST refereeing decision made against Man United this season? 👀
Neville blamed goalkeeper for not being strong enough
Arsenal picked up a crucial three points on the opening weekend of the season against Manchester United with a 1-0 win at Old Trafford.
Their goal came from Riccardo Calafiori on a corner after William Saliba had fouled Altay Bayindir.
Speaking at the time, Neville put all the blame on Bayindir. He was not concerned with him being fouled, like the incident with David Raya against West Ham.
“The goalkeeper has got to be stronger. I think he will complain that he was fouled.
“He’s got a player in front of him, there’s a lot of pushing and shoving going on. I just think your goalkeeper has to be stronger.”
As recently recounted in our review of the worst decisions to go against United this season.
Former referee Mark Clattenburg told us: “Bayindir was being impeded while challenging for the ball.
“PGMOL said they would punish more this type of challenge, but again they failed.”
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Michael Carrick called for a crackdown
Michael Carrick called for a crackdown on goalkeepers being impeded at corner kick, following matches against Arsenal and Everton earlier this year.
“I think it’s gone too far… it doesn’t feel that we’ve got the balance right,” he told a press conference.
Perhaps the decision in the West Ham vs Arsenal game was a sign that the referees are finally taking this seriously, even if it coincides with being perfect timing for the Gunners.
But we doubt this is any meaningful or substantial change. The problem of inconsistency will remain, and we expect incidents like this each week to be ruled on with the reliability of a coin-flip.
Michael Carrick says opponents’ WWE style corner tactics have gone TOO FAR – Do you agree?
Is it time for referees to clamp down and start punishing teams?
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