(Arsenal – Bournemouth 3-0) Arsenal puts pressure on Manchester City before the latter's match later on Saturday.
But the manner in which the league leaders' first goal came against Bournemouth is a matter of controversy.
Just before half-time, Martin Odegaard sent a clever pass into the back room towards Kai Havertz. The German got to the ball first, went past Bournemouth goalkeeper Mark Travers and fell to the ground.
Hence a penalty kick, but the refereeing staff wasn't quite sure. The situation was looked into by VAR, but the decision stood. It makes more people interact.
– Did they let that punishment stand? It's actually quite unbelievable, writes Viaplay commentator Kasper Wikstad X.
– A classic “designed” penalty kick with how Havertz exploited the goalkeeper’s leg, He writes Freelance football writer Miguel Delaney.
See the status at the top of the case!
When the penalty was awarded, Bukayo Saka was extremely cold and ensured the hosts took the lead heading into the second half.
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Controversial scoring: Bukayo Saka celebrates his 1-0 goal after Kai Havertz was awarded a controversial penalty. -
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The penalty was also discussed in the Viaplay studio during the halftime broadcast.
Kai Havertz decides one thing here: leave his foot for Travers to take it. Then we can discuss the balance between shooting the penalty and being smart about getting a penalty. Jan Auger Fjortoft says: “I think Havertz will deliberately take a penalty.
Follow Peter Wieland:
“My problem with this being a penalty is that the Premier League comes out and says they don't want to.”Soft penalties». Wieland believes this is a very soft penalty.
After the break, Odegaard was involved again before Arsenal scored their second goal of the day. The captain's pass outside the 16-metre box was broken up, but teammate Declan Rice intercepted the ball again.
In brilliant fashion, Rice played off Leandro Trossard, who scored 2-0 with 20 minutes remaining.
In the 96th minute, Rice himself scored 3-0. The midfielder now has seven league goals and eight assists in his first season as an Arsenal player.
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Arsenal hero: Declan Rice has become a hugely popular man at the Emirates Stadium this season. -
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Another new arrival, David Raya, can celebrate too – having secured himself Golden gloves– The award goes to 14 matches without conceding a single goal.
With this victory, Arsenal leads the English Premier League, four points behind Manchester City. But Erling Braut Haaland's team has played two fewer matches, and one match will be played later on Saturday.
Manchester City is a machine, but we can only focus on ourselves. Anything can happen in football. Miracles happen, says Declan Rice after the match.
City host Wolverhampton at home at 6.30pm. You can follow the match VG Live.
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