Arsenal had the video assistant referee to thank after Emile Smith Rowe scored the crucial goal in the 2-0 FA Cup win over Newcastle United after having a red card overturned.
Smith Rowe was given a straight red card by referee Chris Kavanagh for his challenge on Magpies midfielder Sean Longstaff in the final minutes of normal time at the Emirates Stadium.
However, the video assistant referee recommended Kavanagh review his decision on the pitchside monitor and the referee then downgraded the red to a yellow card.
The 20-year-old, who came on as a second-half substitute for Mikel Arteta’s side, looked visibly upset by the initial decision and was relieved to stay on the pitch for extra time.
Having been given a reprieve, he then produced a moment of quality to send Arsenal into the fourth round of the FA Cup in the second half of extra time.
The attacking midfielder beat Paul Dummett to fellow substitute Alexandre Lacazette’s knock-down and fired into the corner via the inside of the post.
Although Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang added a late second from Kieran Tierney’s cross, it was Smith Rowe’s moment of quality which made the difference.
And despite the Arsenal man’s lunge catching Longstaff’s shin, Alan Shearer agreed with the call to keep him on the pitch.
“It was absolutely the right decision, it was never ever a red card - they’ve used the VAR correctly in this situation,” Shearer said on the BBC One coverage.
“The referee sees that as a red, he’s 30 or 40 yards, but no, it was never a red card and they came to the right decision in the end.”
Fellow BBC pundit Ian Wright agreed with Shearer’s assessment of the officiating, but didn’t believe the VAR deserved credit for pulling Kavanagh up on his decision.
“That’s exactly what it’s for because that would’ve been sad for him as well,” he added.
“You could see how devastated he was. You can’t be giving it credit for doing what it’s there for.”
Newcastle had chances through Andy Carroll and Elliot Anderson, but struggled to break down Arsenal in a game of few opportunities.
The victory is Arsenal’s fourth in succession following Premier League wins against Chelsea, Brighton and West Bromwich Albion.
