Sheffield United and Arsenal disagree over key decision at the Emirates
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Martin Atkinson, overseeing the match in the VAR suite at Stockley Park, backed referee Mike Dean’s decision not to punish Jack O’Connell’s challenge on Bukayo Saka before John Fleck cancelled-out Gabriel Martinelli’s opener for the hosts.
Although the official’s interpretation of events appeared correct - Saka flinging himself into the air when the United centre-half, making a legitimate attempt to win the ball, brushed his leg - Arteta felt otherwise.
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Hide AdSpeaking afterwards, the Basque, who has won only one of his first Premier League fixture since taking charge of Arsenal, said: “The penalty? Yes, it was very clear.”
Chris Wilder, the United manager, revealed he had not even studied footage of the incident when questioned on the subject during his post-match press conference.
“Was it a penalty? I’ve not watched it back,” he said. “I haven’t seen any replays of it.”