Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher has delivered his verdict on the key talking points from Arsenal’s 1-0 victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford, as part of his weekly Ref Watch segment on Sky Sports News.
The Saliba–Cunha Penalty Call
One of the main controversies came in the second half when Matheus Cunha went down inside the box under pressure from William Saliba. Referee Michael Oliver waved play on, and VAR did not intervene.
- Dermot Gallagher:
“I wasn’t convinced it was a penalty. If it’s going to be given, it’s one the referee himself has to call on the pitch. VAR will not overturn this kind of decision.” - Jay Bothroyd (Sky pundit):
“How is that not a penalty? If this happens on the halfway line, it’s a free kick all day. Saliba clips his foot, the ball goes nowhere, and without that contact Cunha carries on. For me, it’s a guaranteed penalty.”
Arsenal’s Winning Goal: Foul on Bayındır?
Arsenal’s new signing Riccardo Calafiori netted the decisive goal, but questions were raised about whether United goalkeeper Altay Bayındır had been impeded in the buildup.
- Dermot Gallagher:
“Not a foul, not at all. If anything, Bayındır had his hands on the player. You can’t give that as a foul.” - Jay Bothroyd:
“Bayındır’s caught out of position and hasn’t been strong enough. If he thinks it’s a foul, he should go down and give the referee a decision to make. Instead, he’s been bullied and it’s cost United the game.”
Other Talking Points
Gallagher also ran through other refereeing controversies from the Premier League’s opening weekend, reminding viewers that many marginal calls—like Cunha’s penalty shout—are left to on-field referees, with VAR reluctant to step in unless a “clear and obvious” error is made.
Ref Watch airs every Monday at 9am on Sky Sports News, with Gallagher and guest pundits reviewing the weekend’s biggest refereeing calls.
