Explained: Why VAR disallowed Kai Havertz handball beautiful goal for Arsenal vs Aston Villa

Arsenal are denied a late equaliser against Aston Villa after Kai Havertz handball…with Jamie Carragher hailing referee Jarred Gillett for making an ‘unbelievable’ decision

Arsenal were beaten by Aston Villa after Kai Havertz’ goal was disallowed

The German was pinged for handling the ball in the build-up to his goal

Arsenal were denied a crucial stoppage-time equaliser against Aston Villa after Kai Havertz was spotted to have handled the ball in the penalty area.

The Gunners thought they had levelled the match in the closing minutes at Villa Park when Havertz crept in at the back-post and turned the ball into the net.

However, the German was quickly denied what would have been a huge goal in the Premier League title race when Australian referee Jarred Gillett blew his whistle to disallow the goal.

Confusion quickly reverberated around Arsenal’s ranks with Mikel Arteta’s side believing they had snatched a point at one of the toughest grounds in the English top-flight before having the goal cancelled out.

VAR scrutinised the decision with Michael Salisbury and assistant Scott Ledger spanning over every angle of the incident that saw the ball rattle between Havertz and defender Matty Cash.

Arsenal were denied a crucial stoppage-time equaliser against Aston Villa on Saturday after referee Jarred Gillett disallowed the goal for handball

Arsenal’s Kai Havertz (left) was deeemd to have handled the ball in the box before scoring

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Replays showed Havertz had controlled the dropping ball with the top of his hand before smashing his shot into the back of the net.

The VAR duo eventually agreed with Gillett’s initial on-field decision and play eventually resumed after Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez received treatment for an eye injury.

Villa were able to navigate their way through a tricky final few minutes and hold onto their narrow lead to claim another massive win, having already beaten Man City earlier in the week.

Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher praised Gillett for making an ‘unbelievable’ decision that was later confirmed to have been the correct call by VAR.

VAR reviewed Gillett’s on-field decision before allowing play to continue at Villa Park

Commentating on the match for Sky Sports, Carragher said: ‘It comes off the top of his hand and then he puts it in just there before he volleys it in.

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‘That is an unbelievable decision from the referee if he’s given that in real-time,’ he added.

Arsenal attempted to rally after their goal was chalked out but couldn’t manage an effort on target with Eddie Nketiah blazing a header over the bar.

Defeat ensures Liverpool keep their place at the top of the Premier League, with Unai Emery’s Villa now just one-point behind the Gunners.

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