PGMOL Chief Howard Webb explain Martin Odegaard handball call as Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool fume as Arsenal escape

Latest Arsenal news with the PGMOL providing the official reasoning as to why Martin Odegaard did not concede a penalty against Liverpool

The PGMOL have given their reasoning as to why Martin Odegaard was not penalised for handball in a decision that left Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool furious

Arsenal were fortunate to escape without punishment for a Martin Odegaard handball in the Premier League clash against Liverpool. The Gunners went in front after just five minutes with Gabriel Magalhaes nodding past Alisson after the visitors made a superb start at Anfield.

Jurgen Klopp’s side eventually grew into the game and were soon back on level terms when Mohamed Salah thundered an effort past David Raya after bypassing Oleksandr Zinchenko in the box with ease. Controversial moments and brilliant chances followed but the game ended level with the best chance of the second half falling to Trent Alexander-Arnold with his close-range effort after a counter-attack striking the bar.

One of the moments that has certainly divided opinion is the alleged handball offence committed by Odegaard. The Norway international appeared to lose his footing with the ball then striking his arm as it headed towards the turf with the Arsenal captain attempting to regain his balance.

A VAR check followed but the on-field call was not overturned despite significant complaints from all those of a Liverpool persuasion in Anfield. The incident also caused discourse in the commentary booth with Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher disagreeing on the decision

“I think he may just slip there,” Neville admitted on Sky Sports. “That right leg is giving way which means his left arm goes down. I think that’s what saves him. I think he’s lucky but it might be that his foot gives way which means he puts his arm down to try and rebalance and that saves him.” Carragher added: “I think that’s a penalty, he’s very fortunate there (Martin) Odegaard.”

Understandably, it remained a major talking point at full time with Sky Sports presenter Dave Jones revealing the official PGMOL wording to explain why a penalty was not given. “This is red hot on social media,” he began. “Liverpool fans don’t understand why they don’t get a penalty.

“If you haven’t heard the language used by VAR as to why it was not given after a review was because they feel like Odegaard’s hand was moving back towards his body as he goes down.” Klopp was then asked for his verdict on if he had seen the incident with the Liverpool boss clearly frustrated by the call not going the way of his side.

“I’m pretty sure someone will explain to me it’s not a handball but I don’t know how,” Klopp admitted to Sky Sports. “I don’t think the ref can see because I have no clue where he was in that moment but when somebody is sitting [in the VAR room at Stockley Park], how can he not come to the conclusion and maybe it might be worth having another look.”