Mike Dean provided comment on the late controversial Arsenal v Liverpool decision that saw a Gunners goal not stand with the match at 2-2
Former Premier League official Mike Dean says Arsenal were cost victory against Liverpool from a ’50:50′ call by referee Anthony Taylor, though it is one he should escape criticism for.
Arsenal had built themselves a strong foothold in the match against their fellow title-chasers, leading at the break through goals from Bukayo Saka and Mikel Merino either side of a Virgil van Dijk header. But as the game wore on, Mikel Arteta saw his ranks further and further ravaged by injury.
The defence was already missing suspended William Saliba whilst Martin Odegaard and others were still on the recovery path. By the end of the game Gabrial Magalhaes and Jurrien Timber found themselves added to the injury list, and eventually Liverpool would equalise.
Just as it seemed the visitors were more likely to snatch a win, a late flurry saw the hosts push hardest and the ball was actually in the back of the net on 90 minutes. Gabriel Jesus poked in with the goal unguarded after Kai Havertz lobbed Caoimhin Kelleher, though it did not stand the scoreline remained 2-2.
This is because referee Taylor had already blown for a foul committed by Jakub Kiwior on Dominik Szoboszlai. The Poland international had jumped onto the Liverpool midfielder to win the header that then fell to the feet of Havertz. As this intervention was made, VAR was then unable to get involved as it was out of their remit.
“It’s more of a soft foul if anything, to be fair he’s just penalised the Arsenal player,” ex-referee Dean said in response on Sky Sports.
“It’s probably a 50:50 call, for me,” he added, before ultimate praising his fellow official: “He’s had a good game the referee, so I can’t criticise him for that to be honest with you.”
The home side were clearly frustrated – perhaps directly with this costly decision – as a number of them approached Taylor and his assistants once the final whistle had been blown. Jesus was shown a yellow card for his protestations.