Arsenal came from behind to claim a 2-2 draw against Bayern Munich on Tuesday night but controversy surrounds the end of the game at the Emirates Stadium.
The Gunners went into this one as slight favourites given their superb Premier League campaign and Bayern’s disappointing Bundesliga season.
Arsenal took an early lead through Bukayo Saka as he collected Ben White’s pass and curled home a brilliant strike into the corner of the net.
Bayern hit back though with former Arsenal man Serge Gnabry levelling up before Leroy Sane won a penalty.
That meant Harry Kane stepping up from the spot against Arsenal once again, just as he did so many times in his Tottenham days.
Kane slotted home with aplomb, leaving Arsenal to try and fight back after the break – and they did just that with Leandro Trossard rifling home after great approach play by Gabriel Jesus.
All hell broke loose in the final seconds of the game though with Arsenal left somewhat aggrieved…
Bukayo Saka – penalty or no penalty?
Goalscorer Saka was played through on goal with mere seconds remaining and he attempted to go past Manuel Neuer.
Saka went down and the Emirates – with no Bayern fans in the stadium – was up in arms demanding a penalty.
The replays show that Saka certainly got to the ball first but his right leg appeared to go towards Neuer rather than the Bayern goalkeeper hacking him down.
Neuer did seem to take a step in Saka’s path, so it was certainly a difficult call for referee Glenn Nyberg as he attempted to figure out who initiated the contact.
Arsenal are understandably furious and Bayern may well feel that they have got away with one ahead of the second let in Bavaria.
Rio Ferdinand on Saka incident
Pundit Rio Ferdinand has offered his verdict whilst speaking on TNT Sports (09/04, 10pm).
Ferdinand simply could not believe that the penalty wasn’t given, admitting that he couldn’t believe Arsenal weren’t given a spot kick.
Ferdinand believes that Neuer was given a lifeline by referee Nyberg, adding that he was walking around the Emirates Stadium in ‘disbelief’ and with his hands on his head.
“How has that not been given? I can’t believe it, with VAR and everything. I can’t believe that has not been given. That man has got a life there, because Saka – today, I thought he was the most dangerous player for Arsenal – he’s running through there, that is a penalty. I’m in the stadium and I can’t believe it, I’m walking around in disbelief with my hands on the top of my head!” he added.
Arsenal fans are used to hearing Ferdinand suggest that Saka isn’t world class, but the former Manchester United hailed the winger’s performance.
Saka will be licking his lips at the prospect of facing Raphael Guerreiro in the second leg with left back Alphonso Davies now suspended.
Saka can make a big impact in that second leg and he will be looking to make sure Arsenal go through after not being given that late penalty.
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