10 March 2024 , 00:35
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Ian Wright and Jamie Redknapp agreed that Kai Havertz was lucky not to be sent off before his priceless winner vs Brentford.
The German striker leapt highest to nod home against the Bees in the 86th minute of Saturday’s showdown after Declan Rice and Yoane Wissa exchanged strikes. The victory looks set to be huge in the race for the Premier League crown.
While Havertz was roundly lauded by the Arsenal faithful, the same cannot quite be said of the opposing dugout. Brentford boss Thomas Frank complained that he should have been sent off for two bookable offences.
Havertz picked up his first caution for an elbow on Kristoffer Ajer. He then went down in the box despite not being touched by Nathan Collins but the referee did not brandish a second yellow card.
Ex-Arsenal star Wright believed that he was lucky to stay on. Speaking on Match of the Day, the former striker said: “I do agree with Thomas Frank, he probably shouldn’t have been on the pitch for that but he was and I was pleased he was to be honest!”
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Host Gary Lineker then got involved in the debate by replying: “And so was Arteta it seems!”
Looking specifically at the incident that could have seen Havertz booked for diving, Wright added: “I think the assistant should probably be doing more there. The assistant should be seeing that.
Kai Havertz falls under Nathan Collins' challenge (Getty Images)Should Kai Havertz have been sent off vs Brentford? Share your thoughts in the comments below
“They [VAR] can’t be giving a yellow card there but they’ve missed so much. They must have gone to the toilet at that particular time!”
Elsewhere, former Tottenham star Jamie Redknapp also believed that Havertz was lucky to stay on the pitch. Speaking on Sky Sports, he said: “It’s a yellow card. He’s got history of doing that. He did that a few times at Chelsea, throwing his elbow at people.
“The referee is not in a great position to see this so unless he gives the yellow card, then VAR can’t intervene anyway. He’s lucky. You can see there’s no contact at all and he’s looking to try and gain an advantage by going down. He’s very fortunate.”
Havertz’ goal against Brentford now means that he has scored in each of his last four Premier League appearances. The German’s record now sits at nine goals and three assists in all competitions since a £60m summer move from Chelsea.
He will be aiming to carry that form into midweek as Arsenal attempt to reverse their fortunes in the Champions League against Porto. Mikel Arteta ’s side find themselves 1-0 down after the first-leg in Portugal.
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