Overview
- Arsenal’s second‑half surge delivered a 4-1 win at the Emirates, consolidating top spot and widening the gap to Villa in the title race.
- Mikel Merino, already booked, hauled back Morgan Rogers during a Villa break; he avoided a second yellow and was substituted shortly after.
- Ex‑referee Mark Halsey called the Merino foul a “nailed on” second booking, and Ian Wright said the midfielder “got away with one.”
- Gabriel Magalhaes’ opening header stood after a VAR review, while goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez believed he was fouled and later hinted at his displeasure on social media.
- talkSPORT reported Villa director Damian Vidagany was furious in the tunnel about the non-dismissal, as post‑match reaction focused on refereeing and VAR.