Arsenal's derby-winning goal from Alexandre Lacazette was "never a penalty in a million years", says Jermaine Jenas, with VAR denying Tottenham “justice”.
Lacazette, captaining the Gunners after Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang had been dropped for a breach of pre-match protocols, scored the winner against Tottenham from the spot after being felled by Davinson Sanchez's untidy challenge.
It was Arsenal's first north London derby win in six attempts and handed rivals Spurs a huge blow to their top-four hopes.
Analysing the game on Match of the Day, both ex-Spurs man Jenas and former Gunner Martin Keown were in agreement over the penalty decision.
"I think it’s a poor decision from Michael Oliver," Jenas said. "He doesn’t have a great sight of the challenge.
"You see as Lacazette goes to hit the ball, he misses it completely, the momentum of Lacazette kicks Sanchez, they kick each other, Lacazette misses the ball, never a penalty in a million years.
"The fact VAR didn’t overturn it, on the basis it wasn’t a ‘clear and obvious’ error, is ridiculous. It’s reckless from Lacazette as well."
Keown added: "From an Arsenal perspective, they’re lucky to get a penalty there.
"If you look at the referee’s positioning, this is where VAR can help in this situation. I wouldn’t want it as an Arsenal fan but the right decision would have been made.
"Sanchez has set himself arguably, he doesn't make the challenge and he gets kicked by Lacazette.
"I don’t know what Michael Oliver has seen but VAR didn’t want to overrule him and that’s where VAR, the protocol is being followed but it’s wrong because it’s not justice."
