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