Premier League giants Arsenal and Liverpool faced off in a crucial fixture this week. The game was a heavily expected occasion, given the quality of both teams. It is also the fixture that has produced the second-highest goals in Premier League history. So the fans of both teams and neutrals expecting a spicy affair were understandable. However, the match ended in a dull 0-0 draw. Well, it was not a completely dull affair because there was controversy involved as well. Arsenal defender Piero Hincapie initiated a challenge against Liverpool winger Jeremie Frimpong inside the penalty area. Frimpong and the Liverpool players appealed for a penalty, but the referee, Antony Taylor, was having none of it. But since the decision, there have been constant discussions regarding Piero Hincapie’s challenge on Frimpong. One side claimed it was a soft challenge and agreed to the decision. Whereas the other side protested against the decision and claimed it was a penalty.
Piero Hincapie and his challenge
Piero Hincapie did not necessarily have the best of games against Liverpool. While the other Arsenal players fulfilling defensive duties were solid, Hincapie looked lost at times against the firepower of Liverpool. During one such instance of Liverpool attacking the Arsenal defense, Hincapie was not able to catch up against a pacy Frimpong. Frimpong thrives on his pace and uses it to his strength expertly. With Hincapie not able to compete, he still did an exceptional job to close out Frimpong’s attack. However, in the process of closing out the attack, Hincapie also slightly made contact with Frimpong’s ankle.
Despite the contact being very minor, Frimpong still went down. And with him going down inside the penalty box meant there was a possibility that the referee would award a penalty in favour of Liverpool. Consequently, Frimpong and his Liverpool teammates appealed to Antony Taylor. However, Antony Taylor felt the contact was too soft to give a penalty and dismissed all kinds of appeals.
Keith Hackett on the Piero Hincapie challenge
Talking to Football Insider, former PGMOL chief, Keith Hackett, has provided his opinion on Antony Taylor’s decision on the Hincapie challenge. Hackett believes Antony Taylor made the right decision and agrees that the referee should not have given a penalty. He also explained the reasons behind the decision.
“Referee Anthony Taylor is in a good position, and there is insufficient evidence that there is contact. Therefore, play was allowed to continue. VAR, at this point, is in a position to look at various camera angles to seek and determine if the referee has made a clear and obvious error. There was no request for the referee to visit the pitch-side monitor,” Keith Hackett said. These statements made by Hackett further reaffirm Antony Taylor’s decision not to award the penalty to Liverpool. Since the statements are coming from a former PGMOL chief, you can’t counter the legitimacy as well.
Meanwhile, Arne Slot was pleased with the efforts from his side. But he still believed they could have gone all the way in the result. “Maybe in the end I’m still a little disappointed we didn’t win but a good performance,” Slot said after the game.
Conclusion
Liverpool would have gone back home as the happier side. Despite not getting all three points, while also having to watch key player Connor Bradley sustain a major injury, Slot’s side will be content with the draw. On the other side, Arsenal will be disappointed. They were up against a depleted Liverpool side but still failed to capitalise on it. A win would’ve sent them 8 points clear of Manchester City in the title race. Disappointing night at the Emirates for the Gunners.
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