Gary Neville ‘shocked’ Kai Havertz penalty was overturned after Mike Dean backs VAR

Mike Dean and Gary Neville disagreed with each other over the decision to overturn Kai Havertz’s penalty against Manchester United.

Mid-way through the second half, the Arsenal man went down inside the area as he looked to get in between Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Casemiro.

6

Havertz went down as Wan-Bissaka and Casemiro looked to defendCredit: Sky Sports Premier League YouTube

6

After awarding a penalty, Taylor was sent to the monitor for a reviewCredit: Sky Sports Premier League YouTube

6

He then overturned his decision and play resumedCredit: Sky Sports Premier League YouTube

Referee Anthony Taylor initially awarded a penalty to the Gunners and therefore a chance for them to take the lead.

However, upon a review by VAR, he was sent to the pitchside monitor and then made the decision to overturn the penalty.

Speaking to Sky Sports after the match, former referee Dean was consulted on whether or not it was the correct decision.

He agreed that it was, but United legend Neville revealed that he was surprised to see the call made.

“I can see how we got to the right decision, from the gantry it looked like a nailed on penalty,” said Dean.

“But from another angle the defender hasn’t committed a foul, so credit to VAR for coming to the right decision.”

Neville responded: “I was shocked it was overturned. I thought there was enough in it to follow the pattern we’ve seen so far which is to stick with the on field position.

“If I was full-back I’d be saying, ‘no he’s kicked my leg’, but it doesn’t fit with the high bar we’ve seen.”

6

Dean says it was the right call, but Neville isn’t so sureCredit: @SkySportsPL X

At first look, it did appear as though contact on Havertz was made as he raced into the area.

However, it wasn’t enough for Taylor to stick to his original decision, but Arsenal secured the win anyway.

In the final ten minutes of the match, Alejandro Garnacho thought he had secured all three points for United with his finish.

His celebrations were short lived though as he was adjudged to have been offside and the goal was disallowed.

6

It looked as though Garnacho had won it for United late onCredit: Getty

Arsenal capitalised on the decision and scored their second of the game in stoppage time, with Declan Rice emerging as the hero.

The Gunners completed the victory minutes later as Gabriel Jesus ran through on goal and had the composure to slot past Andre Onana to make it 3-1.

Arsenal now head into the international break with three Premier League wins from a possible four.

Mikel Arteta’s side also remain unbeaten as they once again look to beat Manchester City to the title.

6

But it was Arsenal who came out on top in a dramatic finishCredit: Getty

The new talkSPORT match centre

Keep up-to-date with all the latest football fixtures, results and standings in our new match centre.