Aston Villa scorers Ollie Watkins and Youri Tielemans had different takes on the late VAR drama in their draw away at Arsenal. Goals either side of the break from Gabriel Martinelli and Kai Havertz appeared to have left Arsenal in control. Tielemans quickly halved the deficit, though, and Villa's comeback was complete when Watkins fired home.
There was still time for Arsenal to find a third when Havertz deflected a Mikel Merino effort beyond Emi Martinez. It wasn't to be, though, with a VAR check finding that the German had handled the ball, and the game ended all-square. Watkins and Tielemans were both asked about the incident in their post-match interviews. However, the team-mates offered differing verdicts.
Tielemans' response was matter-of-fact. "Handball is handball when it is a goal. It is what it is," the Belgian midfielder told BBC Sport. Watkins spoke to Sky Sports after the draw and was far less convinced, despite the VAR check. He watched a replay on the broadcaster's screens, sharing his thoughts when quizzed by host David Jones.
"Seeing it back there, I'm not sure," Watkins said. "I think it's gone in favour for us, to be honest. If that was against me, I think I would be a little bit disappointed. From that angle I'm not sure, but that's what VAR is there for.". Did VAR get it right? Have your say in the comments section.
