Arsenal were angry not be awarded a penalty in their draw with Sunderland, and the incident caused a disagreement in the Match of the Day studio
Alan Shearer and Theo Walcott on Match of the Day.
Alan Shearer and Theo Walcott were in disagreement on Match of the Day.
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Match of the Day pundits Alan Shearer and Theo Walcott have locked horns over a controversial incident in Arsenal's Premier League match against Sunderland. The Gunners had to make do with a single point in a 2-2 draw against the newly promoted side at the Stadium of Light.
Early on, Arsenal's Mikel Merino found himself on the receiving end of an arm from Black Cats' defender Dan Ballard in the penalty area, sparking calls for a penalty in favour of the Gunners. Despite VAR checking the incident and Merino requiring extensive treatment, the decision was not reversed.
This has sparked a debate in the Match of the Day studio. Ex-Arsenal player Walcott is of the opinion that a penalty should have been awarded.
"I look at it a little bit differently to be honest. It's not clear and obvious, however, it's early in the game, it's seven minutes into the game and Dan Ballard, of course, wants to put his mark on the game," he said.
"Mikel Arteta spoke about being disruptive, and he's definitely, in my opinion, he's disruptive and there's a slight movement from the elbow to Merino's cheekbone.
"Me and Al (Alan Shearer) definitely don't agree with it, however, I do feel like his elbow was in quite a high condition, shall we call it, and it was very disruptive."
However, as Walcott pointed out, former Newcastle player Shearer strongly disagreed with his fellow pundit, describing the incident as 'brilliant defending'.
"I think as a defender, if he allows that forward to get across him, his manager goes absolutely berserk at him," he said. "That's his space and he cannot allow any forward to get across him.
"So he then settles himself and then he goes for the header. You can't jump without doing that (raising his arms) for a header, and I don't think there's anything deliberate there at all, I think it's more brilliant defending than anything else."
Dan Ballard celebrates with teammates after scoring the opening goal during the Premier League match between Sunderland and Arsenal at Stadium of Light.
Sunderland defender Dan Ballard had a big impact on the game vs Arsenal. (Image: Martin Swinney - Sunderland AFC, Sunderland AFC via Getty Images)
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Ballard continued to influence proceedings throughout the encounter. The centre-back netted the opener for Sunderland before second-half efforts from Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard appeared to have secured victory for Arsenal.
However, Brian Brobbey levelled matters for Sunderland in the 94th minute. Arsenal were denied a dramatic late winner when Ballard blocked Merino's effort.
Despite the frustration of conceding so late, Arsenal maintain their position at the Premier League summit. They sit six points ahead of second-placed Chelsea before Sunday's fixtures.
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