Ian Wright was critical of Kai Havertz for his potential red card challenge during Arsenal’s 1-0 defeat to Newcastle United at St James’ Park on Saturday.
Both Arsenal and Newcastle United fans were annoyed by some of the on-field and VAR calls, especially the goal that led to Anthony Gordon scoring the only goal of the game.
That incident happened in the second half, long after Kai Havertz’s reckless challenge in the first half which earned him a yellow card.
Even with his Arsenal hat on, Ian Wright stated that the 24-year-old was ‘lucky’ because it was an ‘aggressive’ and ‘terrible’ challenge from the player, as he told Premier League Productions (04/11/23 at 6:25 pm).
The on-field call was a yellow and when VAR had a look, they stood by that call to the frustration and annoyance of the home crowd.
But Kai Havertz wasn’t the only one taking the verbal hits because Bruno Guimaraes also elbowed Jorginho in the first half and got away with it.
This is what Ian Wright had to say about Kai Havertz’s tackle yesterday, which the Toony Army faithful will, no doubt, agree with.
Kai Havertz red card challenge
“For me, it’s very close to being a red,” said Former Premier League goalkeeper, Shay Given. “The players’ reaction is normally a good sign. I was surprised by the reaction. He has gone off the ground. His body is out of control.
“So, then the question is. If he gets Longstaff’s standing foot, it could be a leg breaker.”
Wright added: “I think he is very fortunate simply because it looks like he is out of control with his body there. Yes, his trailing leg has caught him and it does look bad in real-time. But when you look at it there, the trailing leg catches him, that’s probably what has saved him. In real-time, it looks terrible.
“With that kind of foul, he is out of control of his body. I think he is very lucky. We talk about an aggressive challenge. That’s quite an aggressive challenge.”
Newcastle United and Arsenal VAR controversy
There are so many things you can throw at this or the teams can throw at one another because there were a number of controversial moments during the game.
Mikel Arteta was fuming at Newcastle’s goal standing and made his feelings clear after the game (Sky Sports), but it didn’t stop there because Arsenal have since released a statement on the so-called poor officiating.
But Newcastle fans will point towards that Havertz challenge and how the Premier League title hopefuls should have been down to ten well before any of the other incidents could take place.
Either way, it’s Eddie Howe’s side who walked away with maximum points. Closed the gap on the Champions League places and ended Arsenal’s unbeaten run.
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