Arsenal referee accused of "phenomenal mistake" after Bukayo Saka denied penalty

25 February 2023 , 22:21

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Arsenal referee accused of "phenomenal mistake" after Bukayo Saka denied penalty

Arsenal were denied a penalty during their win over Leicester with Ian Wright bemoaning the "phenomenal mistake".

Bukayo Saka was bundled over in the box by Foxes star Harry Souttar, but Craig Pawson refused to point to the spot in what was a frustrating afternoon of officiating decisions for the Premier League leaders. VAR chalked off a goal scored by Leandro Trossard, but Ian Wright was particularly angered by the failure to award his former side a penalty.

Arsenal were able to secure the win regardless with Gabriel Martinelli scoring the only goal at the King Power, thus allowing Mikel Arteta's side to maintain their leads at the summit after Manchester City also claimed the three points.

Bukayo Saka Arsenal (Sky Sports)

Wright though was left bemused that the referee didn't point to the spot when Saka was clearly impeded by his opponent. The former Gunner told Premier League Productions: "That was a ridiculous decision. A phenomenal mistake."

Arteta, who has had his run-ins with officials this term, refused to get drawn on the decision after the win. "I don't know, I haven't seen that image," he said when quizzed. "

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It's over now, I don't want to be talking about these situations too much, we are extremely happy to win these two away games against Aston Villa and Leicester and we deserved to win the games with the way we played. Now onto the next one, against Everton."

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The Arsenal boss was also pleased with Trossard's display as the Belgian enjoyed a rare start ahead of Eddie Nketiah in what was a rejigged front three. Arteta added: "He did really well. I think he was really good, I think he got involved in many situations that could have ended up in many more big chances.

"He was involved in the incredible goal that he scored that was disallowed, involved in the goal of Gabi, the pass that he played to him, he's so good in small spaces, tight spaces, with his creativity to open people up and I'm really happy with him."

Arsenal take on Everton and Bournemouth at the Emirates next week as they play twice in a matter of days with the season beginning to enter its final stretch. The Europa League knockout stages have also resumed with the Gunners gearing up to face Sporting Lisbon in the next fortnight.

Samuel Meade