The Gunners finally faced their Champions League nightmare when they went face to face with Bayern Munich at the Emirates.
It was a memorable night of Champions League action at Emirates Stadium as Arsenal’s quarter-final first leg against Bayern Munich ended 2-2 .
The Gunners had fought back from 2-1 down to level through substitute Leandro Trossard. However, this would not be the talking point of the night.
Deep into stoppage time, Bukayo Saka went down under Manuel Neuer’s challenge inside the box.
The home fans screamed for a penalty but all appeals were waved away by referee Glenn Nyberg, who blew the final whistle soon after to a chorus of boos.
Goalscorer Trossard, while speaking to newsmen, said, “It looked like a penalty to me, it looked like clear contact.”
Former Tottenham striker, Harry Kane, scored a penalty in the first half to put Bayern ahead, but manager Thomas Tuchel revealed after the game that he felt his side should have been awarded another spot-kick.
It related to a bizarre incident in which he felt Gabriel handled the ball after an Arsenal goal-kick had been taken.
“The referee did not have the courage today to give us a deserved penalty, in a bit of a crazy and awkward situation.
“What makes us really angry is the explanation on the field. He told our players that it’s a kid’s mistake and he will not give a penalty like this in a quarter-final,” he said.
The disbelief over Arsenal did not get a penalty.
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Deep in stoppage time, Saka looked set to win the quarter-final first leg in dramatic fashion as he raced into the box and sidestepped the onrushing Neuer, but he went down after contact with the Bayern Munich goalkeeper’s right leg.
The Arsenal forward expected to be awarded a spot-kick but was instead left baffled that the referee waved play on, with the video assistant referee (VAR) also not intervening.
In response to the call, Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand said, “How has that not been given?
“I can’t believe, with VAR and everything, that’s not been given.
“He’s running through and that’s a penalty. I’m in the stadium and I can’t believe it – I’m walking around in disbelief with my hands on top of my head.”
Although not everyone agreed as Former Arsenal centre-back Matthew Upson while speaking on a live Radio show said, “I think it was the correct call not to award a penalty in the end.
“On first instinct you think it has to be given, but having looked at a replay it looks like Bukayo Saka has initiated the contact. Manuel Neuer puts the breaks on as he rushes out and Saka almost kicks him in the end.
“A really good call from the referee under incredible pressure.“
