Premier League release statement after Arsenal rage over Aston Villa incident
The Premier League has made a statement on Arsenal's disallowed goal in the 2-2 draw against Aston Villa.
Mikel Merino thought he had scored a third goal for the Gunners in the closing minutes at the Emirates Stadium. Referee Chris Kavanagh awarded the goal, but his on-field decision was overturned by VAR because Merino's shot had hit Kai Havertz on the arm as it deflected past Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez. Havertz claimed the ball hit him on his midriff and there were angry boos inside the stadium when a replay was played on a big screen.
The Premier League Match Centre issued a statement on the incident on X, saying: "The Arsenal goal was awarded on-field. The VAR established that the ball hit Havertz's arm immediately before entering the goal and recommended that the goal was disallowed."
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Arsenal had taken a 2-0 lead against Unai Emery's side thanks to goals from Gabriel Martinelli and Havertz. But Villa hit back with two quick goals in the second half, Youri Tielemans halving the deficit with a diving header and Ollie Watkins scoring from close range.
