Bukayo Saka has come under fire for attempting to win Arsenal a penalty late on against Bayern Munich in the Champions League.
.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&width=3840&quality=60)
WHAT HAPPENED?
Former West Ham and Juventus forward Paulo Di Canio ripped into the England international after he confronted the referee at the end of the match in an irate manner. The 55-year-old believes the Arsenal man initiated contact with Manuel Neuer and it was the right decision not to award a penalty. Saka looked as though he may have had an empty net to aim at had he stayed on his feet but opted to go down with just seconds left on the clock.
.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&width=3840&quality=60)
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Away from the drama at the end, Saka had a good game in front of the home crowd and netted his fourth Champions League goal of the season. His contributions mean Arsenal head to Germany on level terms with Bayern who have been vulnerable under Thomas Tuchel in 2024. They will fancy themselves to progress and set up a mouthwatering tie with either Manchester City or Real Madrid.
WHAT DI CANIO SAID
Speaking during Sky Sports Italy’s Champions League coverage, Di Canio said: “He moves blatantly the leg towards Neuer, it’s never a penalty. He didn’t behave as an experienced player. He behaved liked a baby with no experience.”
DID YOU KNOW?
Arsenal ended a run of three consecutive 5-1 defeats to Bayern with the 2-2 draw at the Emirates Stadium. However, it was another successful night for former Tottenham man Harry Kane, who bagged his 15th goal against the Gunners with a penalty of his own.
.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&width=3840&quality=60)
WHAT NEXT FOR SAKA AND ARSENAL?
For the next week, Mikel Arteta’s men will have to put the Champions League to the back of their minds as they prepare to return to Premier League action. Their place at the top of the table is down to the Gunners having a better goal difference than Liverpool but they will face a tough test when Aston Villa come to town on Sunday.
