Overview

• Referee Jarred Gillett initially awarded a penalty for Viktor Gyökeres going down under Nick Pope’s challenge, then reversed the call after a VAR-led pitchside review, with play resuming as a drop ball.
• The league’s Match Centre published the in-stadium explanation that Pope played the ball and there was no foul, a conclusion supported by replays showing a touch from the goalkeeper.
• Mikel Arteta was visibly furious on the touchline as Arsenal players protested the decision to overturn the spot-kick.
• Reaction was split, with Gary Neville saying he was “a little bit torn,” Jamie Redknapp saying he was “amazed” it was overturned, and ex-PGMOL chief Keith Hackett insisting a penalty should have been given.
• A separate VAR check allowed Nick Woltemade’s goal to stand after a minimal-contact ruling on Gabriel Magalhães, as fan opinion on the penalty call divided and the weekend featured wider criticism of VAR decisions.