Kai Havertz issues clear response to Arsenal penalty and VAR controversy during Bournemouth win
Kai Havertz has responded to the huge Arsenal penalty controversy surrounding him during the 3-0 win against Bournemouth at Emirates Stadium. The Gunners had the chance to open up a four-point gap to Manchester City at the top of the Premier League table with Pep Guardiola's in action against Wolves later in the day.
In the first half, the hosts had bundles of chances, but they were unable to find a way through until a penalty was awarded right before the interval. A superb ball over the backline to Havertz saw him move into the box before he was deemed to have been fouled by the onrushing Mark Travers.
Upon watching a number of replays, it looked as though Havertz initiated the contact, but VAR did not see it as an obvious error, and therefore the penalty stood with Bukayo Saka calmly putting Arsenal into the lead from 12 yards.
In the second half, Arsenal endured some nervy moments as the Cherries attempted to find a way back into the game, but those nerves eased when Leandro Trossard doubled his side's advantage. Declan Rice then put the gloss on the performance with a late third to further improve Arsenal's goal difference.
Given the final score line, Arsenal clearly dominated the game, but it could have been very different had that penalty not been given. In the wake of the game, pundits and fans have had their say on the decision, and now Havertz, as the person involved in the controversial incident, has provided his reaction.
“I haven't seen the replay but I think he touches me," the Germany international told TNT Sport. "I felt the contact and went down. For me, it's a penalty. I said to the goalkeeper, 'You touched me' I think he understood on the pitch.” In his post-match press conference, Arteta was also asked for his verdict on a number of incidents in the game.
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"The honest answer is I haven’t seen any of the incidents because I knew you were going to ask me," the Arsenal boss admitted. "They said do you want to see it and I said no so I can give you an honest answer."
Having been on the end of a fortunate decision, in the eyes of some, the Gunners also felt harshly done by after Ryan Christie's firm challenge on Saka. Referee David Coote opted to play the advantage following the foul, with replays later showing Christie's studs made contact high up Saka's leg; however, VAR did not deem it to be endangering the player.