Ex-PGMOL Chief Blames Viktor Gyokeres For Penalty Arsenal Didn’t Get vs Fulham

Former referee and PGMOL chief Keith Hackett said that Arsenal was unfortunate not to receive a penalty during their Premier League match against Fulham. Viktor Gyokeres, a striker, may have given his team a spot kick during the game, according to the former referee.

The home team’s obstinate defence forced the Gunners to fight hard for a 1-0 victory at Craven Cottage. Leandro Trossard gave Arsenal another set-piece goal of the season after steering the ball home after a corner, leaving Mikel Arteta’s team thankful.

When Bukayo Saka was hauled down within the box, VAR intervened to overturn a penalty, leaving the visiting fans furious. However, following a different incident, Arsenal may have been granted the opportunity to convert from 12 yards.

Hackett: Against Fulham, Gyokeres could have received a penalty.

Former English Premier League referee Hackett told Football Insider that he thought Gyokeres should have been awarded a penalty for his team after Jorge Cuenca challenged him in the 55th minute. The opposition player tripped the Swede as he tried to control a pass and spin towards the goal.

The striker, however, laid a hand on the ground and pursued the ball in an effort to keep upright. Additionally, Hackett thinks Gyokeres would have had the opportunity to convert right away if he had gone to ground instead.

According to the former official, “Anthony Taylor was in an excellent position,” “To be honest, Taylor didn’t recognise the infraction because the player didn’t go to ground.

“I believe Taylor would have been pointing to the penalty spot if the guy had gone down right away. It was unfortunate that Arsenal did not receive a penalty kick.

Gyokeres had a challenging Saturday night as he once again found it tough to have an impact on the match against Fulham. With only three shots and two on goal, the 27-year-old was unable to put Bernd Leno in goal to the test.

His influence has been little thus far, as he has only managed to score three goals in his first eight Premier League appearances since joining from Sporting Lisbon for £63.5 million. After the encounter against Fulham, when the Gerd Muller trophy winner went seven games without scoring, some fans vented their dissatisfaction on social media.

Gyokeres might have been subjected to further questions if he hadn’t won and converted a penalties, and if Trossard hadn’t broken the tie in the second half to put Arsenal three points ahead of Manchester City. When the Gunners visit Atletico Madrid in the Champions League on Tuesday night, he will be looking to snap his goalless run.