Arsenal hosted Liverpool at the Emirates on Sunday, the 27th, in a high-intensity showdown between two fierce rivals. Saka continued his impressive form, with Merino adding his first goal for Arsenal. On the Liverpool side, Van Dijk headed in a cross from Arnold, set up by Diaz, while the ever-reliable Salah finished a clever toe-poke pass from Núñez.
Following the thrilling 2-2 draw, former Premier League referee Mike Dean clarified that Liverpool’s Luis Diaz avoided a booking after an intentional delay in restarting play. According to Dean, Mikel Arteta’s side was unprepared for a quick free-kick, and thus Diaz’s actions did not warrant a card.
With the score level at 1-1 in the first half, Colombian winger Luis Diaz nudged the ball away after Mac Allister brought down Bukayo Saka, creating a dead-ball situation in Liverpool’s half. Arsenal players reacted furiously, prompting commentary from former defender-turned-pundit Gary Neville, who observed, “The Arsenal players went mad. You watch Diaz, hmmm,” as a clip played of the Arsenal team making their feelings clear to referee Anthony Taylor, much to the intrigue of fans watching from home.
What went down the Emirates
Mike Dean—who served as a Premier League official for 22 years—explained that Luis Diaz was rightfully spared a caution. Dean explained that no Arsenal players showed intent to restart play quickly, meaning Diaz’s actions did not interfere with the game’s flow.
In the words of the former referee himself speaking to Skysports,
“I can see where they’re coming from, but he hasn’t delayed the re-start because they’re not set anyway. There’s no one there to take the free-kick, so I can fully understand why the referee hasn’t cautioned Diaz, even though it does upset the home support.”
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North Londoners’ frustration was understandable, as Arsenal fans and players openly showed their aggravation. They felt especially frustrated, knowing that Declan Rice, who put in a Man of the Match performance against Arne Slot’s side, had received a red card for a similar incident during a match against Brighton & Hove Albion.
