Paul Merson was left stunned by Kai Havertz's bizarre reaction after his handball saw Arsenal's late goal ruled out in their 2-2 draw with Aston Villa. Mikel Arteta's side looked on course to close the gap on runaway Premier League leaders Liverpool after goals from Gabriel Martinelli and Havertz, but Villa hit back in a breathless second half through Youri Tielemans and Ollie Watkins.
![[Havertz looked to plead innocence, claiming that the ball had instead struck his midriff]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/18/21/94248505-14300469-Havertz_looked_to_plead_innocence_claiming_that_the_ball_had_ins-m-86_1737234348510.jpg)
The result leaves the Gunners six points adrift of top spot, although the deficit appeared to have been slashed when Merino's strike deflected in at the death. Merino pulled the trigger from the edge of the box and a nick off Havertz left Emi Martinez beaten, sparking wild celebrations around the Emirates. However, the goal was promptly chalked off after replays showed the ball struck the forward's arm.
![[Pundit Paul Merson was stunned by the forward's reaction, saying he 'couldn't believe' it]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/18/21/94248511-14300469-image-a-79_1737234187952.jpg)
Havertz appeared convinced that the goal would stand despite his intervention and speaking post-match, Merson was scathing in his assessment of his behaviour. 'I can't believe Havertz has run away,' Merson said on Sky Sports. Kai Havertz's handball saw Arsenal's late goal ruled out in their 2-2 draw with Aston Villa.
Havertz looked to plead innocence, claiming that the ball had instead struck his midriff. Pundit Paul Merson was stunned by the forward's reaction, saying he 'couldn't believe' it. 'It's hit his hand and he's run off. I can understand if it's in the Championship, you're going to get away with it, there's no VAR.'.
