VAR ERROR :Neville and Dean agree on Arsenal handball claim as VAR decision analysed…

Neville and Dean concur on the Arsenal handball incident as VAR decision is examined.

Gary Neville and Mike Dean are of the opinion that the officials made the correct choice by not awarding Arsenal a penalty during their 1-0 loss to Liverpool.

Near the conclusion of the match at Anfield on Sunday afternoon, the ball made contact with Dominik Szoboszlai’s arm while he was defending against a long throw into the penalty area.

Joe Gomez jumped over Viktor Gyokeres but misjudged his header, obstructing the view of his teammate who was positioned behind him. The England international did not connect with the ball, which then struck Szoboszlai’s upper arm.

The rebound went over Gyokeres’ shoulder, and the Reds successfully cleared the ball before the final whistle.

Despite fervent appeals for a penalty from several Arsenal players, Chris Kavanagh determined that Liverpool’s goalscorer did not commit a handball infraction.

The Video Assistant Referee, John Brooks, along with his assistant Sian Massey-Ellis at Stockley Park, reviewed the situation and concurred with the on-field ruling. During Sky Sports’ Super Sunday program, Neville and Dean discussed the decision.

The Manchester United icon remarked: “I mean, I wouldn’t want it [awarded] against me, especially when there are numerous bodies in front of you and visibility is limited. It does strike his upper arm.”

Former Premier League referee Dean commented: “It’s in that area where it’s debatable whether it’s a red zone or a blue zone.

To be fair, the ball has traveled quite a distance. His arm did not move towards the ball. The ball simply hit him, and in my view, the on-field decision is correct.”

Neville responded: “I believe if he had a clear view and it hit his arm after he jumped, it would be a penalty, but given that there are four or five bodies in front of him and it comes over them – visibility is compromised.

During the Super Sunday show, Roy Keane referred to Arsenal as ‘robotic’ following their first loss of the new Premier League season. The former United captain remarked: “I feel that Arsenal, similar to their performance at Old Trafford, lacked quality in their attacking play both that day and today. They simply weren’t sharp enough; they must improve.

“It’s commendable that they have such a strong defensive record and excel at set pieces, and they deserve credit for that. However, if they rely solely on that, when they face a team like Liverpool that defends well, it becomes challenging.

“They need to try something a little different. When watching Arsenal, you want to see them do something spontaneous, something quick.

“There was a sense of urgency in their play as they pursued a goal, but overall, you find yourself thinking they need to act more swiftly.

“In terms of their attacking play, they come across as somewhat robotic,” Keane added. “While their set pieces deserve praise, they must discover an alternative approach.”

Reflecting on Keane’s observations about Arsenal, Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher stated: “Last season, there was considerable discussion about what Arsenal required, particularly the need for a forward to convert their chances.

“I have never thought that Arsenal’s issue was finishing. Their real problem lies in creating opportunities. That was their challenge last season: they simply do not create enough. The statistics support this; it’s all evident.

“From last season, Arsenal needed to adjust slightly, becoming more proactive with the ball. Sure, they brought in [Martin] Zubimendi, along with Eze and Gyokeres up front.

“It’s still early in the season, but in the two away matches we’ve seen Arsenal play this season, nothing has changed.

“They remain heavily dependent on set pieces, fail to create anything in open play, and for me, they are the best defensive team in Europe.”