Kai Havertz should have been sent off before he scored the crucial goal that secured a 2-1 win for Arsenal against Brentford, Thomas Frank says.
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Havertz scored late Arsenal winnerGerman criticised for "clear dive"Should have been sent off, says FrankWHAT HAPPENED?
With the game tied at 1-1 heading into the late stages, Havertz popped up with a late goal to restore Arsenal's lead and secure the three points, lifting his team to the top of the Premier League. The Germany international had been booked in the first half and Frank believes he should have been shown a second yellow card for going down easily midway through the second period.
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The Bees manager told : "I actually don't think Havertz should be on the pitch when he scored. It was a clear dive. Maybe it is difficult for the ref but the linesman should have seen it."
He added to : "[The players] were very angry because they felt they were hard done by with the penalty shout with Havertz. You can see the angles, it was clearly a dive. That was a second yellow and then it is 11 v 10. I think that was a crucial moment in the game. I hope they admit they got something with them there, because last time there was a lot of complaint about a VAR situation marginally going our way. Hopefully they remember that when they talk after the game."
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Despite the controversy, Arsenal saw out the win and leapfrogged Manchester City and Liverpool to go into pole position in the Premier League. However, they could be knocked off of the top of the table depending on the result when Pep Guardiola's team visit Anfield in a crucial clash on Sunday.
GettyWHAT NEXT FOR ARSENAL?
Whether or not they remain top of the table after Sunday is out of the Gunners' hands. Instead, Mikel Arteta's team will turn their attention to their Champions League last-16 tie against Porto in midweek. Arsenal head into the game needing a win, having lost 1-0 in the first-leg in Portugal.
