In a dramatic clash at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday, Alejandro Garnacho’s near miss for Manchester United stirred controversy, with manager Erik ten Hag contesting the VAR decision that ruled out the goal. Despite Garnacho’s elation at what seemed like a go-ahead goal, the Video Assistant Referee, in conjunction with on-field referee Anthony Taylor, deemed him offside, leading to the disallowance of the Red Devils’ goal. Moments later, Arsenal surged ahead with Declan Rice’s stoppage-time strike, riding a wave of momentum to victory, with Gabriel Jesus securing a third goal and the three points.
After the match, Ten Hag expressed his frustration to Sky Sports, alleging that VAR had utilized the “wrong angle” in assessing the offside call. He went on to highlight other contentious moments, including what he considered a clear foul on Jonny Evans that went unnoticed.
Ten Hag articulated his viewpoint, saying, “The performance was right, but the result was not on our side, and definitely, many decisions were against us. Let’s start with the penalty that was given but rejected. Everyone can see it’s a simulation, but he did not get booked for it. Then there was the foul on Hojlund in the penalty area, and I don’t think it was even noticed by the VAR. Finally, the disallowed goal from Garnacho. I think they looked from the wrong angle, and it’s onside.”
Sky Sports sought the perspective of former Premier League referee Mike Dean, who empathized with Ten Hag but stood by the VAR’s call. Dean commented, “It’s obviously a very, very close call. Initially, I thought it was offside. There are angles where he appears onside and then offside. When they establish the lines, the technology is accurate; they place the lines correctly, not incorrectly. His shoulder was offside, and that’s what they’ve gone with. They would have used both angles, including a camera on the 18-yard line. I’m comfortable with today’s decision.”
