Liverpool playmaker Florian Wirtz was denied a penalty against Arsenal when he collided with Leandro Trossard inside the area in the second-half
Florian Wirtz goes down under pressure from Leandro Trossard during Arsenal's draw with Liverpool
Florian Wirtz went down under pressure from Leandro Trossard during Arsenal's draw with Liverpool
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Liverpool and Arsenal might have played out a goalless draw on Thursday night - but the game was not without controversy. One of the talking points came in the second-half when Florian Wirtz was denied a penalty.
Wirtz collided with Leandro Trossard in the Gunners' area, and speaking on commentary at the time, Gary Neville believed a penalty kick could have been awarded, as the challenge was “clumsy”.
He said: "I thought it was clumsy, actually. Trossard steps across him. There might not be enough in it, but he takes a real chance. It's not great from Trossard, not great at all.
"We have the VAR screens in front of us and sometimes when you see them carry on looking at it after they have made the decision, 'Am I right here or not?'"
And speaking on Sky’s Ref Watch on Friday morning, former Arsenal forward Jay Bothroyd admitted he was surprised that a penalty wasn't given.
He said: ”I was surprised this wasn't given. Wirtz showed great skill. The thing that saves Trossard is Wirtz' touch is heavy and it almost goes off the pitch. If the touch was closer, I'd give a penalty for that."
Giving his view on the decision, former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher said: "That's absolutely true. He's pushed the ball so far, and then he's gone over."
The other talking point from the game came when Gabriel Martinelli shoved Conor Bradley off the pitch towards the end of the game.
Martinelli threw the ball at Bradley and manhandled him as he lay on the turf injured in the closing stages at the Emirates Stadium.
Gabriel Martinelli is shown a yellow card after moving Conor Bradley off the pitch
Gabriel Martinelli was shown a yellow card after moving Conor Bradley off the pitch
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The Northern Ireland international left the stadium on crutches and wearing a supportive brace on his left knee.
But despite calls for the FA to take action, Martinelli is unlikely to face any additional punishment, with the Football Association unable to intervene given the incident was spotted at the time and dealt with by match official Taylor and VAR John Brooks with the award of a yellow card.
In response to the backlash, Martinelli posted a story on his Instagram account, writing: “Conor and I have messaged and I have already apologised to him.
“I really didn’t understand he was seriously injured in the heat of the moment. I want to say I’m deeply sorry for reacting. Sending Conor all my best again for a quick recovery.”