Former FIFA referee Keith Hackett believes that officials missed a potential red card offence during Arsenal's 4-0 win against Leeds United. The Gunners were in fine form at Elland Road, as they put Daniel Farke's team to the sword.
Martin Zubimendi opened the scoring for the visitors when he nodded home Noni Madueke's cross just before the half-hour mark. And Arsenal then doubled their advantage just 11 minutes later, as Karl Darlow palmed Madueke's corner into his own net.
Although Leeds attempted to find a way back into the game, Viktor Gyokeres then grabbed a third for Mikel Arteta's side when he steered the ball home from close range midway through the second half. And his replacement Gabriel Jesus then put the icing on the cake when he curled home a brilliant fourth.
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Hackett: Referee Missed Red Card Offence
Arsenal's David Raya remonstrates to referee Stuart Attwell as Arsenal's Leandro Trossard reacts after sustaining an injury
Although Arsenal were in fine form on Saturday, their outing might have been even easier if a different refereeing decision went their way. Dominic Calvert-Lewin managed to escape the referee's attention in the first half for a late tackle on Gabriel.
The striker, who has been in fine form for the Whites recently, caught the Brazilian defender on his shin with a poor challenge which Stuart Attwell failed to sanction. And Hackett, speaking to MOT Leeds News, believes that he could well have received a red card, let alone a booking.
The former PGMOL chief said: "This is a challenge that should without a doubt have received a sanction. Frankly, the player has committed the challenge whilst running towards his opponent.
"The challenge landed on the shin of his opponent, so at the very least it should have been determined as reckless.
"That would mean a yellow card, but I can frankly find a case for serious foul play and a red card. I see some malice in this challenge."
Check Out the Challenge From Calvert-Lewin Below:
Saka Injury the Only Blemish on Excellent Arsenal Performance
Arsenal's Bukayo Saka arrives at the stadium before facing Leeds
Despite the failure to punish Calvert-Lewin, Arsenal didn't end up requiring any extra help on the day from officials. They put in a fantastic performance and got their Premier League season back on track, having dropped points against Nottingham Forest and Manchester United in their two most recent domestic games.
Victory takes them seven points clear of Manchester City and Aston Villa, who are both set to play on Sunday. The only negative for the Gunners came before a ball was kicked at Elland Road, as Bukayo Saka exited the pitch with an injury during the warm-up.
The England international had been set to start for the north Londoners, but could now face a spell on the sidelines. Mikel Arteta, speaking after the match, said that the medical team were still waiting for more information, but praised his replacement, Madueke, for his efforts.
Arsenal's manager said: "In the warm-up he had a little niggle so we made the decision. We made the change to bring Noni in, you cannot do that in two minutes. So very impressive."