Controversial Call: Did Mateo Kovacic Dodge a Red Card Against Arsenal? Ref Watch Analysis

Should Kovacic have been sent off at Arsenal?

: Dermot Gallagher Analyzes Key Moments in Premier League Matches

Former referee Dermot Gallagher provides a detailed analysis of the controversial incidents that occurred during the weekend's Premier League fixtures. Amongst the incidents was Manchester City's Mateo Kovacic's fortunate escape from a red card during the highly anticipated clash against Arsenal on Super Sunday.

INCIDENT 1: Manchester City's midfielder, Mateo Kovacic, is booked by referee Michael Oliver after catching Arsenal's Martin Odegaard on the ankle with a tackle. Following a VAR review, Oliver is advised to uphold his original decision.

INCIDENT 2: Shortly after, Kovacic makes a late slide tackle on Declan Rice, but no second yellow card is issued.

DERMOT CRITICIZES: WRONG JUDGEMENT

"Kovacic was fortunate with the second incident. Numerous individuals believe it deserves a caution, while others believe it deserves a sending-off. In my opinion, it falls on the edge, which is why I consider him extremely fortunate. I believe he could have faced consequences on another occasion."

That being said, when you make a second challenge just a few minutes later, regardless of what occurs, it is sufficient to push it past the brink if it's already close to a red card. Overall, he is incredibly fortunate.

Once you have made a tackle like the initial one, you have managed to evade punishment, albeit barely, due to the combination of both incidents. Subsequently, it unequivocally warrants a red card.

Tempers flare after full time at the Emirates

In Michael's defence, it should be noted that he expressed unequivocal certainty in his decision. He openly communicated to everyone present that there were no doubts in his mind. Consequently, when considered as a collective, their actions can be seen as warranting a red card.

The incident involving Arsenal and Manchester City players getting into a heated confrontation after the game's end should be reported to the FA for further review, according to Dermot.

The referee's authority remains unquestionable in this matter. Many individuals, including players, coaching staff, and others, are involved in the process. It is crucial for the referee to diligently observe and take notes alongside their colleagues. Reporting the incident and recommending the Football Association (FA) to review the video footage would be the most appropriate course of action, as it provides a broader perspective than what the naked eye can perceive in such circumstances.

Was Guimaraes lucky to not receive a second yellow?

INCIDENT: After already witnessing Emerson from West Ham being fouled, Newcastle’s Bruno Guimaraes maneuvers and clips James Ward-Prowse on the halfway line, directly in front of referee Peter Bankes. Surprisingly, the Brazilian player manages to escape without receiving a second yellow card.

DERMOT SAYS: INCORRECT DECISION

"He's extremely lucky. If he gets a second yellow there, none of us are going to argue.

The referee contributed to the smooth flow of the game and played a crucial role in making it an enjoyable spectacle. It is difficult to speculate whether he considered the incident merely as a foul without disrupting the attacking promise, but it's evident that his decision was anticipated.

When observing Guimaraes, his expression speaks volumes. It reflects his realization of the mistake he made and the regret of putting himself in that particular situation.

Correct decision to send off Lemina?

INCIDENT: Mario Lemina of Wolves receives a second yellow card after pulling back Nicolo Zaniolo from Aston Villa, following his previous booking for a foul on Douglas Luiz.

DERMOT SAYS: The decision was correct.

"It's what we discuss: when you impede someone's progress in order to halt a promising attack, a yellow card is expected. Moreover, he had already received a yellow card. Consistency is commendable as long as it aligns with accuracy, but it is unacceptable to consistently make incorrect decisions."

Should Aston Villa have been awarded a penalty?

INCIDENT: Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins directs a shot towards the side-netting, yet he appeals for a penalty after being forcefully brought down by Wolves' Matt Doherty. The incident is subjected to review by VAR, which ultimately concludes that the challenge lacked sufficient evidence to warrant a penalty.

DERMOT REMARKS: THE RIGHT CHOICE

My only assumption is that the referee judges the contact to be insufficient to cause him to fall in that manner. He consults VAR to determine if it is a glaring and indisputable mistake. The VAR supports the referee's decision, stating that it is not a mistake, and thus no foul is awarded.

Would Luton's disallowed goal have been chalked off anyway?

INCIDENT: Luton's Elijah Adebayo strikes the ball, hitting the post, and Tom Lockyer heads it into the net. However, the referee disallows the goal, judging it to be a foul by Adebayo on Cristian Romero during the build-up.

DERMOT SAYS: CORRECT DECISION.

Did Bissouma deserve a second yellow?

INCIDENT: Adebayo's utilization of both hands distinguishes this situation. This variation is more apparent to the referee, making it easier to spot. Notably, Tom Lockyer was in fact offside, which would have led to the goal being disallowed regardless.

DERMOT SAYS: CORRECT DECISION

"Full credit to John Brooks and I'll tell you why. I was watching this game and from the TV angle, I thought it was a foul.

Should Gross have received further punishment for conceding a penalty?

INCIDENT: My immediate impression upon witnessing the issuance of the second yellow card was a fervent hope that the referee had made the correct decision. However, upon viewing the incident from a different perspective, it became abundantly clear just how astute the referee's observation had been.

Dermot suggests that issuing a yellow card would have mitigated the controversy surrounding this incident. Several factors contribute to this situation, including the player not directly aiming for the goal, the ball getting away due to being pulled back, the proximity of the goalkeeper, and the presence of a approaching defender.

Should Brighton have been awarded a penalty of their own?

INCIDENT: In the event that he brandished a yellow card, this discussion would be considerably less contentious as individuals would acknowledge the existence of a form of retribution.

Dermit acknowledges: Right call.

"The evidence is evident to all. It clearly makes contact with his thigh while his arms remain by his side. The ball then bounces up a few feet and hits him. There is no uncertainty in that, however, it would be truly astonishing if a penalty was awarded for such an incident."