The Premier League has made it clear why Kai Havertz’s goal for Arsenal was disallowed against Aston Villa at the Emirates Stadium.
It was a game the Gunners looked comfortable winning at one point but two goals from Villa in the second half turned the game completely on its head.
Youri Tielemans and Ollie Watkins scored in the second half for Unai Emery’s men to spoil Arsenal’s party.
The controversial moment of the game came late in the game when a shot deflected off Havertz and went straight into the net.
Arsenal’s players started to celebrate what they thought was a legitimate goal but were called by the referee and after a VAR check their goal was disallowed as the ball hit the hand of Havertz.
The Premier League have since issued a statement on their X account, revealing why the goal was disallowed.
The Premier League Match Centre published account:
“Arsenal’s goal was awarded on the field. The VAR determined that the ball hit Havertz’s arm immediately before entering the goal and recommended that the goal be disallowed.
#ARSAVL – 88′ HAS BEEN SURROUNDED
Arsenal’s goal was conceded in the field. The VAR ruled that the ball hit Havertz’s arm immediately before entering the goal and recommended that the goal be disallowed.
— Premier League Match Center (@PLMatchCentre) January 18, 2025
Arsenal’s second-half collapse sums up their season
The Gunners again missed several chances to close out the game and then cost them two points in the Premier League title race.
Meanwhile, Liverpool won their match with two late goals from Darwin Núñez and cemented their position in the title race.
It was a game that showed the Gunners need depth in their squad as the only attacking option coming off the bench was Raheem Sterling.
No wonder they are looking to sign a striker this month and have been linked with one move by Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting Lisbon too Yoane Wissa of Brentford.
