Piers Morgan and Ian Wright say Arsenal ‘got away with it’ as VAR slammed for controversial decisions vs Bournemouth
ARSENAL legend Ian Wright and Gooner Piers Morgan both admitted they “got away with it” against Bournemouth as VAR dominated again.
The Gunners restored their four-point lead at the top of the Premier League with a 3-0 victory.
A goal for Bournemouth disallowed for a foul on David Raya
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Bukayo Saka, Leandro Trossard and Declan Rice all got on the scoresheet to pile the pressure on second-placed Man City ahead of their clash with Wolves.
However, the main talking point after the lunchtime game at the Emirates was the much-maligned VAR.
And it has led to more calls for the technology to be scrapped.
Both teams were on the receiving end of controversial decisions during the game as Cherries ace Ryan Christie escaped a red card for a high tackle while his side also had a goal ruled out in the second half.
Saka and Trossard had already fired Arsenal into a two-goal lead when Antoine Semenyo looked to have got the visitors back into it after bundling home the rebound after Christie’s effort hit the woodwork.
But the celebrations were soon cut short as Dominic Solanke was ruled to have fouled goalkeeper David Raya by backing into him during the build-up upon a VAR check.
Solanke moved into Raya’s path as the loose ball dropped back into the area as the stopper weakly tried to punch it away, with the ref blowing despite contact being minimal.
Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola and his coaching staff were furious after watching a replay but, after a lengthy delay of several minutes, the officials at Stockley Park did not advise the ref to check his pitchside monitor.
That was after the away side believed they should have received a penalty moments earlier when Philip Billing was pulled back by William Saliba.
However, VAR failed to intervene this time, placing the team working on the technology under more scrutiny.
And it even led to TalkTV host and Arsenal fan Piers calling for it to be axed completely.
He wrote on X: “VAR is so bad that even when Arsenal get a verdict our way (like just now), I still hate the bloody thing for the way it sucks all the joy out of the game.”
Meanwhile, former Gunners striker Wright admitted VAR had robbed Bournemouth.
He wrote: “Didn’t think it was a penalty. Bournemouth’s goal should have stood.”
Wright was referring to Kai Havertz being brought down by Bournemouth goalkeeper Mark Travers which led to Saka scoring from the penalty spot.
Fans were fuming that “Havertz knew what he was doing” by dangling out a leg to initiate contact.
And other supporters were raging as well after the full-time whistle over the incidents.
“I’ve had enough of VAR,” blasted one fed-up viewer.
A Gooner wrote: “That’s a goal all day, I have to be honest.
“VAR a shambles for all involved, just have to hope it’s not your team each week.”
While a third added: “Premier League implementation of VAR is baffling. VAR isn’t supposed to re-referee games.
“It’s simply supposed to tell the ref if and when he’s made a clear and obvious mistake. That’s how it works in other leagues anyway.”
Meet the Arsenal Wags from Strictly star to a flight attendant
Tomali Benson – partner of Bukayo Saka
Benson and Saka have kept information on their relationship largely quiet.
They do not appear on each others Instagram pages but she was seen speaking to Saka at the 2022 World Cup.
Helene Spilling – partner of Martin Odegaard
A professional dancer from Norway who rose to fame in the country’s version of Strictly Come Dancing, the pair were first spotted together at the Football Awards in March 2023.
Sophie Weber – partner of Kai Havertz
Weber works as a model and social media influencer and is the most high profile member of the group on online with almost 400,000 followers on Instagram.
They are childhood sweethearts having grown up in the same neighbourhood.
Milly White – partner of Ben White
The couple got engaged in 2022 before tying the knot officially in May last year. They have matching “I love you tattoos” on their wrists. Milly White works as a model.
Laura Trossard Hilven – partner of Leandro Trossard
The pair met in 2014 before getting married in 2019.
They have two sons together, Thiago and Amadeo.
Lauren Fryer – partner of Declan Rice
Lauren Fryer and Declan Rice have been together since 2015. She tends to keep a lower profile compared to some of Arsenal’s other Wags but is no less stunning.
She sadly deleted all pictures on her Instagram after suffering horrific abuse by vile trolls.
Georgina Ramsdale – partner of Aaron Ramsdale
Georgina Ramsdale works as a flight attendant.
The couple got married last June after the Arsenal star proposed in 2022. They originally met in 2019.