Burnley vs Arsenal: 4 talking points from infuriating draw

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BURNLEY, ENGLAND – MARCH 06: Nicolas Pepe of Arsenal takes a shot at the goal which is blocked by Erik Pieters of Burnley FC during the Premier League match between Burnley and Arsenal at Turf Moor on March 06, 2021 in Burnley, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Chloe Knott – Danehouse/Getty Images) /

Handball Farce Extends Arsenal Grumblings

Arsenal should have won the game on Saturday. With or without refereeing decisions, they created more than enough chances to claim three points and only have themselves to blame in that regard.

As for not getting the rub of the green, penalties are a part of the game. It’s a low-scoring sport and the art of winning a spot-kick has become a growing trend across Europe as it presents you with the best possible opportunity of, well, scoring a goal. For that reason, when you get one you, quite simply, have a better chance of winning a football match.

On what planet are the officials who deemed Erik Pieters’ handball not worthy of a pop at goal from 12 yards? The topic of proximity isn’t even relevant as what the defender has effectively tackled Pepe with his arm. The ball is going beyond him and putting the Ivorian in a fine position to create a chance, and he’s impeded him.

When even staunch refereeing cheerleader Peter Walton admits it’s a penalty then there has clearly been an error. One you’d hope VAR would spot. The referees, however, thought otherwise. Probably the only referees in the country who deemed that not worthy of a spot-kick.

With three excellent penalty takers in the side, Arsenal may very well have put their noses back in front. There is a possibility it gets missed and Burnley go up the other end and score. Who knows.

But it would be nice to know what would have happened if the correct decision was made. It wasn’t, and another immensely frustrating decision goes against Arsenal.

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