Referee Error Gifts Burnley Valuable Point Against Arsenal

Burnley were gifted a valuable point after a referee error led to a 1-1 draw against Arsenal in a match which saw Burnley’s Erik Pieters get away with a controversial handball decision at the Turf Moor stadium.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who has scored more goals (8) against Burnley than any other Premier League side, spearheaded the attack for the gunners.

The Gabon striker needed only six minutes to make it six goals from his last five starts, cutting in from the left to hit a low shot which Burnley goalkeeper Nick Pope could not keep out at his near post.

Arsenal looked in the mood as Aubameyang twice went close to extend the lead, while also setting up Bukayo Saka, who poked his effort wide.

Burnley could barely put two passes together as Thomas Partey then fired over from Martin Odegaard’s cut back. But then Xhaka came bearing gifts as another error cost the gunners.

Xhaka decided to play a pass across his own six-yard box to David Luiz while facing his own goal, which deflected off Chris Wood’s hip and into the unguarded net. Xhaka and Arsenal goalkeeper Leno watched in horror as the ball flew into the net minutes before halftime.

It was the eighth time Xhaka has been guilty of an error leading directly to a goal since the 2016-17 season – more than any other outfield player in the Premier League.

In the second half, Burnley enjoyed more and more of the ball as the game turned into a scrappy affair that suited Sean Dyche’s men. The game seemed to be heading towards an uneventful conclusion but then sparked into life in the final 15 minutes

Arsenal felt they should have been awarded a penalty when Pieters looked to have handled in the area but VAR did not deem it a clear and obvious error.

Later in the game, Pieters  was then dismissed by referee Andre Marriner and a penalty was awarded when the defender deflected a Nicolas Pepe effort onto the crossbar. However, VAR showed that the block had come off his shoulder and the decision was overturned.

Arsenal still managed to create one last chance in injury-time but Dani Ceballos curled an effort off the foot of the post as Burnley managed to hold on.

Arsenal have taken only eight points from their last seven games, leaving them firmly in mid-table as the fight for Europe goes on.

“I’m disappointed with the result,” Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta said.

“But the reality is when you come here, which is a tough place to play, and you generate the chances that we created, and don’t score enough, give a goal to the opponent and then don’t get the decisions that you should get, it becomes difficult to win a game in the league.”

The Arsenal boss was then asked about the no handball penalty decision that was not overturned by VAR. Was it a penalty?

“Absolutely I think it’s obvious and clear I think there is no debate about that. If that’s not a penalty I think somebody has to explain what is a penalty in this league,” Arteta added.

Chidi Nwoke.