VAR AND REFEREE ERROR :  Cunha penalty, Mbeumo missed red card, Calafiori goal complaints – Man Utd vs Arsenal referee review

football.london reviews the big decisions by the officials after Arsenal’s 1-0 victory over Manchester United, including a Matheus Cunha penalty call, Riccardo Calafiori’s goal and more

Simon Hooper took charge of a controversial clash between Arsenal and Manchester United

Arsenal managed to steal a one-goal win away from Manchester United after overcoming the mounting pressure from countless attacks the home side sprung upon them. Referee Simon Hooper became the target of the Arsenal supporters throughout the game, with the official’s full name being chanted alongside, “it’s all about you!”

However, fans of both teams ended the game with complaints about how the match was officiated. From the Arsenal goal, scored by Riccardo Calafiori, to a late penalty call on William Saliba after preventing Matheus Cunha from scoring, there were plenty of contentious moments.

Bryan Mbeumo collides with Martin Zubimendi with claims of a red card

Arsenal goal and grappling

Arsenal opened the scoring early on in the first half through Riccardo Calafiori, who nodded in at the back post. William Saliba was accused of impeding Altay Bayindir by many on the Manchester side of the debate.

FL review: There is far too little going on for VAR to overturn this. William Saliba makes contact but the goalkeeper is simply not strong enough and should do more to get space and call on teammates to do more to get him that space.

Not to mention Luke Shaw all over Gabriel Magalhaes and Matheus Cunha on Martin Zubimendi as well. This “grappling” rule that has been introduced has a danger through it’s broadness to see quite the inconsistent calls but on the opening weekend, the officials have laid down the benchmark for what is and what is not a foul and this time Arsenal benefit.

FL verdict: Correct decision – goal stands.

Altay Bayindir claimed to be fouled by William Saliba in the corner for the Arsenal goal (Image: BBC Sport / Premier League)

David Raya on Matheus Cunha

The first penalty shout from Man United was when David Raya produced a heavy touch that allowed Cunha to dart in to try claim the ball and the pair collided. Both went down and the forward looked to the officials for a foul.

FL review: It’s a bad moment for Raya but there is no foul here. Both collide shoulder to shoulder and the goalkeeper is stronger and manages to recover to get the ball.

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FL verdict: Correct decision. No penalty

David Raya and Matheus Cunha collide as Man United claimed a penalty against the Arsenal keeper that was not given (Image: BBC Sport

William Saliba on Matheus Cunha penalty call

Arguably, the moment Manchester United supporters feel most aggrieved is when the ball is not given on the field and not turned over by the VAR as Saliba looks to prevent a late equalising chance from the United man whom he had kept quiet for large stretches of the game.

FL review: I’ve seen some suggest that if this is given by the referee, VAR would not overturn it. Well, had it been, I would certainly be viewing this as a refereeing error. He gets it spot on on the field.

Cunha makes the movement into Saliba rather than the Frenchman making a foul on Cunha. The defender is blocking the forward from the goal, a legal action, and the forward’s momentum takes him into a fairly challenging Saliba.

FL verdict: Correct call, no penalty.

William Saliba blocks Matheus Cunha in yet another penalty claim by Manchester United (Image: BBC Sport / Premier League)

Simon Hooper frustrations