Mark Travers echoed the despair of neutrals over the penalty decision which looked like big-club favouritism.
Although Arsenal clearly deserved to win, the biggest talking point was Kai Havertz appearing to initiate contact by scraping his trailing leg along the ground to ensure he was ‘tripped’ by Bournemouth keeper Travers’ outstretched leg.
Referee David Coote’s decision was upheld by VAR Peter Bankes and Bukayo Saka rolled in the resulting spot-kick to settle the Gunners’ anxiety. Ultimately, it rewarded sharp practice, and Arsenal were lucky again when Antoine Semenyo’s goal was chalked off for a borderline foul on David Raya.
Travers said: “It was a massive game for Arsenal, they are trying to win the league and football’s a game of opinions – I’m sure there will be loads of them flying around on social media about a couple of decisions here.
“From a goalkeeper’s perspective, I was just trying to come out and make a save – I wasn’t thinking about Havertz dangling out a leg, I was just trying to make myself big.
“Obviously he touches it past me and dangles his trailing foot there. The ref’s decision is frustrating but there’s nothing I can do about it now.
“I don’t know what else I’m supposed to do – just stand there so he can hit it first time so it goes in? I know once the ref’s made the decision it’s difficult to reverse it, but it just felt like he’s left a trailing leg in to catch my foot.
“My leg doesn’t come off the ground – I’ve just tried to stay low, make myself big and it looks a bit unnatural to leave your foot that low when you are trying to run forwards.
“My instinct was only to make a save, not to take Havertz down. It’s tough, but I don’t want to say too much and get myself in trouble.”
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Travers was penalised for bringing Havertz down in the penalty area
Meanwhile, Kai Havertz is relishing Arsenal’s title challenge so much he doesn’t want to take a day off. The German striker’s £65 million move was questioned by some fans when he defected from Chelsea last summer, but after 13 goals in 41 starts Havertz’s versatility has been a big asset.
And he doesn’t want to miss a single moment of the final push, saying: “I really enjoy every second – sometimes I don’t feel like I don’t even want to have a day off because you’re just so excited for the weekend.
“We have a lot to play for, we have to win our last two games and then see where we’re going to go. Right now, the mood is good but we’re going to prepare for a big game against Manchester United and hopefully win that as well.”
Premier League title race
1. Arsenal – P36, 83pts (GD +60)
2. Man City- P35, 82pts (GD +54)
3. Liverpool – P36, 78pts (GD +43)
Arsenal’s remaining fixtures
Manchester United [A] – Sunday 12 May (4.30pm)
Everton [H] – Sunday 19 May (4pm)
Manchester City’s remaining fixtures
Fulham [A] – Saturday 11 May (12.30pm)
Tottenham [A] – Tuesday 14 May (8pm)
West Ham [H] – Sunday 19 May (4pm)
Liverpool’s remaining fixtures
Aston Villa [A] – Monday 13 May (8pm)
Wolves [H] – Sunday 19 May (4pm)
Havertz admitted the nerves were jangling as the Gunners peppered Bournemouth with 24 shots but needed a controversial penalty to break through.
He told the club website: “We feel the pressure as we need to win the last games. Then when you don’t score, and it gets closer to half-time, obviously the nerves are coming, but we tried to leave them behind us.”
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