Former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett was left “simply astounded” by Jarred Gillett and VAR during Arsenal’s 2-1 victory over Newcastle United on Sunday.

Gunners put pressure on Liverpool with dramatic late win

With Liverpool losing 2-1 at Crystal Palace on Saturday, the Gunners were presented with a golden opportunity to close the gap at the top of the Premier League table to just two points, and they made no mistake, despite leaving it late at St. James’ Park.

Mikel Arteta’s side were trailing 1-0 heading into the final five minutes of normal time, before goals from Mikel Merino and Gabriel turned the game on its head, securing what could prove to be a vital three points come May.

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The game wasn’t without its controversy, however, with Bukayo Saka criticising Gillett’s decision to overturn a penalty awarded after Viktor Gyokeres was brought down, following intervention from VAR.

Hackett shares Saka’s frustrations, telling Football Insider that he couldn’t believe the penalty decision wasn’t upheld.

The ex-PGMOL chief said: “I am simply astounded that Referee Gillett hasn’t awarded a penalty kick after the intervention of VAR. This is an easy decision the goalkeeper has fouled the forward.

“This is Gillett’s fourth match this season involving Arsenal. No matter what capacity, Referee, VAR or 4th official that is too much. I find it difficult to understand how a penalty kick has not been awarded to Arsenal.”

Gillett lucky Arsenal bagged late winner

In the end, the decision didn’t count for much, with Arsenal going on to pick up all three points in dramatic fashion, but the referee is lucky Gabriel bagged a late winner, given that it was a very questionable choice to overturn the penalty.

VAR must take a large portion of the blame, considering it has consistently been made clear that the referee’s call should take priority this season, with technology only to be used in cases where a glaring mistake has been made.

This view is shared by Arteta, who said after the match: “If it is not a clear and obvious error, VAR should not intervene. We have been told this for a few years and at the start of this season again.”

VAR got away with one this time around, with Arteta’s side showing tremendous heart to turn things around at a ground where they have a poor record, but had Arsenal dropped points on Sunday, it could have had major ramifications on the Premier League title race.