Aston Villa boss Dean Smith has bemoaned the decision to allow Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang time to score in Arsenal's victory yesterday.
The hosts eventually ran out 3-1 winners but with the scores at just 1-0 and the game edging towards half-time, referee Craig Pawson appeared to halt the game - with some believing it was his whistle for the interval.
However, he instead observed a foul on Alexandre Lacazette via VAR and awarded the Gunners a spot-kick. The controversy did not quite end there as Aubameyang ’s initial effort was saved, only for him to score from the rebound.
Smith was not left pleased with the decision to play on after the initial save, suggesting that the half-time whistle should have been blown instead.
Talking after the match, he said: “My understanding was we were walking off the pitch for half-time, then he gives the penalty.
“If it is a goal, or he saves it, surely he blows up and we walk off the pitch? Instead he is able to put in the rebound and when we kick off again he blows up. That frustrated me most and I am still seeking clarity.
“If Craig Pawson was in front of us now and asked if he was certain that was a penalty, I don’t think he would say he was certain.
“I could see by the way he was looking at the screen he wasn’t sure. If you have someone in your ear saying that is a penalty, it is hard to go against them.
“Stand by your own decision - there is an inevitability about it when they go to the screen.”
Arsenal and Mikel Arteta would certainly have been left unmoved by the decision, with Aubameyang eventually doubling the lead and all-but making sure of the three points.
Academy graduate Emile Smith Rowe extended the advantage even further before Jacob Ramsey pulled a goal back for the visitors late on.
