Unlucky Arsenal Succumb to Late Drama: Erik ten Hag Laments Everything Going Against His Team in 3-1 Defeat against Man Utd
Erik ten Hag laments VAR decision, claiming Garnacho's goal should have stood He also argues for a penalty for Man Utd and questions the validity of Rice's late strike Arsenal's defeat sparks debate on crucial decisions
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag expressed his disappointment over three crucial decisions that did not favor his team in their thrilling 3-1 loss to Arsenal on Sunday. Despite an exciting match filled with non-stop action, Declan Rice and Gabriel Jesus scored in stoppage time to secure an impressive comeback win for the Gunners.
The match appeared destined for an enthralling draw as the decision to award a penalty for a foul on Kai Havertz was reversed after a review on the sidelines. In a similar turn of events, the VAR disallowed substitute Alejandro Garnacho's late winning goal due to a slight offside infringement.
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Alejandro Garnacho beats Aaron Ramsdale but his effort is ruled out by VAR for offside
Ten Hag attributed United's loss to several refereeing decisions, claiming that "everything was in favor of our opponents."
The Dutch coach expressed to We: "Our performance was decent. I believed we executed a commendable game plan. However, the unfavorable officiating ultimately hindered our chances of winning."
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Arsenal scored a second deep into stoppage time
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Gabriel appears to block Jonny Evans off the ball
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Rice takes the ball down with Evans blocked off
"We needed a little bit more luck to win the game. It was not offside [for Alejandro Garnacho goal]. It was the wrong angle.
A penalty was then called against [Rasmus] Hojlund, followed by our conceding a goal due to a foul on Jonny Evans. The decision was undeniably clear.
It is true that we should have capitalized on our opportunities and avoided conceding a goal after taking a 1-0 lead. However, I must say that I was content with the overall performance.
Former Premier League referee Mike Dean gave his opinion on the penalty incident involving Hojlund, stating that he does not believe it should have been awarded. He attributed it to good strong defending, with both players involved in a tussle for the ball. Dean noted that although Gabriel's arms were present, Hojlund was also holding onto Gabriel's left arm, resulting in the defender being pulled down. He expressed his satisfaction with the decision made in this case.
Should Arsenal have been awarded a penalty?
Earlier in the contest, it was Arsenal's turn to feel aggrieved.
The hosts seemed to have the perfect opportunity to take advantage of the situation when referee Anthony Taylor awarded a penalty five minutes later. Havertz went down with Wan-Bissaka and Casemiro approaching, but the decision was reversed after Taylor reviewed the VAR's recommendation on the pitchside monitor.
Dean commented on the Havertz penalty incident, stating, "From my vantage point in the gantry, it appeared to be a clear penalty - a view shared by everyone in the stadium.
However, upon closer examination from a different perspective, it becomes evident that the defender did not commit a foul. Although I understand why the penalty was awarded, there was no actual foul. The officials have rightly reached the correct conclusion."
Dean: Garnacho's shoulder is offside
It would be the decision to rule out Garnacho's strike that would prove a major turning point.
Casemiro's precise pass enabled the Argentine to calmly score, causing jubilant celebrations that later transformed into anxiety when VAR intervened and ruled out the goal due to offside. Dean remarked, "It is undoubtedly a very close call. Initially, I believed it was offside. However, upon closer examination, certain angles portray him as both onside and offside."
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The VAR offside lines heavily favored Arsenal.
"When the lines were displayed, it's undeniable that the technology was accurate - they positioned the lines correctly, ensuring there were no mistakes. The angles were utilized, and crosshairs were employed to ensure the accuracy of the direction.
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His shoulder is in an offside position and that's the decision they have made. I understand the manager's perspective as the angle there is not perfect, but we have access to the technology in the hub to accurately position the lines, and at normal speed, it appeared to be offside."
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From another angle, Garnacho appeared to be onside
Both angles would have been utilized as there would be a camera positioned there, as well as another camera at the 18-yard line, which would have been employed.
"Clearly, in the first instance, the lines were added, leading them to arrive at the accurate decision. The frozen frame without the lines did give the impression of being offside.
"I'm comfortable with the decision today."
Gary Neville responded: "If we go back to that first angle, it's in line whereas that one obviously has come back the way which means he's not in line."
It was a devastating blow for United as they were about to face the repercussions of a knockout punch.
Ten Hag: Sancho not selected on training performances
Ten Hag further disclosed that Jadon Sancho's absence from United's matchday squad resulted from his inadequate performance during training."On his performance on training we didn't select him. You have to reach the level every day at Manchester United.
"You can make choices in the front line, so in this game he wasn't selected."
Rice: I knew what today meant and gave it my all
Rice hailed his first Arsenal goal as a "special moment".
The England midfielder expressed to We his perspective on the Man United-Arsenal match, acknowledging the rich history and significance of such games for fans. He emphasized his awareness of the importance of the occasion and his dedicated effort on the field.
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"The first time, I utilized my chin to control the ball and successfully scored. However, if you don't shoot, you won't score. It was truly a remarkable moment.
"It is the small details that determine the outcomes, and ultimately, we were able to achieve the desired result."
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta commended Rice for his exceptional performance, stating that he not only displayed outstanding skills but also contributed significantly to the entire team. Arteta acknowledged Rice's influence in numerous situations and expressed his gratitude for the momentum he provided to the team.
Celebrating it with our fans at the end, the way it unfolded, was truly beautiful.
At this level, victory often comes down to tiny differences. While we were deserving of the win, the game could have easily taken a different turn had they scored for 1-2. The sheer determination to emerge victorious is a thing of beauty.
