Arsenal were unlucky not to be awarded a penalty during their Premier League match against Fulham, according to former referee and PGMOL chief Keith Hackett. The ex-official insisted that striker Viktor Gyokeres could have earned his side a spot kick during the match.
The Gunners were made to work hard for a 1-0 win at Craven Cottage thanks to the host's stubborn defence. Mikel Arteta's side were indebted to Leandro Trossard, who steered the ball home following a corner to add yet another set-piece goal to Arsenal's tally for the season.
Visiting supporters were left frustrated when VAR stepped in to overturn a penalty after Bukayo Saka was brought down inside the box. But Arsenal might well have been given the chance to convert from 12 yards after a separate incident.
Hackett: Gyokeres Could Have Won Penalty vs Fulham
Fulham's Ryan Sessegnon in action with Arsenal's Viktor Gyokeres
remier League - Fulham v Arsenal - Craven Cottage, London, Britain - October 18, 2025 Fulham's Ryan Sessegnon in action with Arsenal's Viktor Gyokeres REUTERS/David Klein
Speaking to Football Insider, former English top-flight referee Hackett believed that Gyokeres could have earned a penalty for his side following a challenge from Jorge Cuenca in the 55th minute. The Swede attempted to control a pass and turn towards goal, only for the opposition player to trip him.
However, the striker attempted to stay on his feet, putting a hand on the turf and pursuing the ball. And Hackett believes that had Gyokeres gone to ground instead, he would have had the chance to convert from the spot.
"Anthony Taylor was in an excellent position," the ex-official said. "Frankly, the player not going to ground was the foundation of Taylor not recognising the foul.
"Clearly, if the player had immediately gone to ground, Taylor, I think, would have been pointing to the penalty spot. Arsenal were unlucky not to get a penalty kick."
Saturday evening proved to be a difficult evening for Gyokeres, who once again struggled to influence proceedings against Fulham. The 27-year-old failed to really test Bernd Leno in goal, managing just three shots and two on target.
Having only scored three goals in his opening eight Premier League games since moving from Sporting Lisbon for £63.5m, his impact to date has been limited. Some supporters took to social media to express their frustration with him following the match against Fulham, as the Gerd Muller trophy winner made it seven games without a goal.
Winning and converting a penalty might well have silenced his critics, and had Trossard not broken the deadlock in the second half to send Arsenal three points clear of Manchester City, then further questions might have been asked of Gyokeres. He will be hoping to end his barren spell in front of goal when the Gunners host Atletico Madrid on Tuesday night in the Champions League.