Ref Watch: Dermot Gallagher assesses Gakpo incident as Ben White antics and more
Dermot Gallagher returns for a busy Ref Watch, with the former Premier League referee assessing the controversial incidents from the weekend's action...
INCIDENT: Anthony Taylor prevents Cody Gakpo from scoring after Alphonse Areola put the pull down for a free-kick - despite the referee not awarding a foul.
DERMOT SAYS: "It's a mess that could have been avoided very easily.
"Areola grabs the ball - I think he collides with the post. Anthony Taylor, for whatever reason, signals advantage.
"But when he goes back upfield, Areola throws the ball to the ground. The referee sees it, blows up and decides the goalkeeper needs treatment.
"He's dug himself out well by seeing Gakpo's closing in and the player needs treatment, but one wonders if it had gone in the net.
"But he originally decided he didn't need treatment. That's where he makes the mistake - he turns his back on the ball. For that period, you're not in control of the situation."
INCIDENT: Micky van de Ven's goal for Tottenham was ruled out against Arsenal by VAR for a marginal offside.
The Spurs defender was ahead of play when Pedro Porro struck the ball - but it ricocheted off Takehiro Tomiyasu and Gabriel before reaching Van de Ven.
DERMOT SAYS: "The argument is, 'has Tomiyasu deliberately played the ball, has it struck him or has he blocked it?'
"I don't think that is a footballing action. His knees are bent and his legs are together. It flies off Gabriel.
"I think that's a fair call - it has struck him. The VAR is absolutely correct."
INCIDENT: Spurs wanted a penalty for a challenge made by Leandro Trossard on Dejan Kulusevski before Arsenal scored their second goal.
DERMOT SAYS: "I think there is a little bit of a nick on him but then he clips his own heel. For me, minimal
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