'Let's clear that up': Gary Lineker delivers verdict on Kai Havertz handball which denied Arsenal vs Villa

Today at 03:07 AM

Kai Havertz certainly delivered a much improved performance in Arsenal's 2-2 draw with Aston Villa at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday evening.

Predominantly Havertz's display was better appreciated by Arsenal fans because he was able to score, putting the Gunners 2-0 ahead early in the second half.

Havertz fired a low drive at Emi Martinez, one that the Aston Villa keeper may have hoped to do better with.

But ultimately the away side were still able to cancel out that goal, earning a 2-2 draw at the Emirates.

Unai Emery praised Arsenal after full-time, but ultimately fans in N5 were still going home disappointed.

Although, when Havertz deflected Mikel Merino's strike into the net late on the make it 3-2, there was briefly a moment of elation in north London.

Gary Lineker thinks VAR made the right call about Kai Havertz handball

However, after a VAR check it was ruled that the ball had struck Havertz's arm before going in, meaning the goal was swiftly ruled out.

Gary Lineker and Danny Murphy both discussed that decision on Match of the Day, with the duo concluding that the correct decision was eventually made. 

READ MORE: Why Benjamin Sesko rejected Arsenal in the summer as Mikel Arteta targets RB Leipzig striker again

Lineker initially started the conversation by saying: "No doubt about the handball was there, Havertz it was, let’s clear that up."

Murphy then replied: "No, it was the right decision."

Lineker: "It's that law isn't it, that weirdly if you accidentally handball it and it goes in then, from you directly – that's a handball regardless."

Murphy: "Things seem to be going against Arsenal at the moment, those little decisions, especially Havertz, he did score today and play quite well.

"Arsenal were brilliant in certain parts of the game, but can't seem to get over the line.

"This is another angle of it (the handball), at first there are angles where you are not sure but you could see even when he walked off, talking to his teammates with his arm over his mouth saying – this is the clearest one (replay) you'll see."

Mikel Arteta refuses to complain about Kai Havertz handball

Speaking immediately after the game, Arteta refused to be drawn into any back and forth about the decision, which denied Arsenal a 3-2 win.

The Arsenal boss admitted that from one angle it did look like a clear handball, even if each angle told its own story.

Arteta said: "Yes, I have seen it. From one angle it doesn’t look [like a handball] and from another angle it does look [like] handball.

“The decision is done. We had many other chances that we could have put away without that goal."

Ian Wright thought Arsenal needed help following their frustrating draw with Villa, a result that once again highlighted the players Arteta was missing, even if those on the pitch performed well.