by WIOR BLIMEY
ARSENAL fans were left fuming after Jakub Kiwior stopped to put his BOOT on as Brighton scored.
But others claimed the defender’s shoe issue should have seen VAR rule out the Seagulls’ opener in Arsenal’s 3-0 defeat on Sunday.
Jakub Kiwior stopped to put his boot on as Brighton scored against Arsenal
Fans were left fuming by the incident while others felt VAR should have intervened
January signing Kiwior racked up another start at the expense of Rob Holding as Arsenal hosted Brighton at the Emirates.
The Gunners knew a win was necessary to keep their title hopes realistically alive.
But after a drab 0-0 in the first half, it was Brighton who eventually drew first blood.
Julian Enciso nipped into the box to fire past Aaron Ramsdale after 51 minutes.
Yet it was Kiwior who drew the ire of Arsenal fans after appearing to stop in his tracks during play.
The centre-back looked to slightly stumble before going to one knee and adjusting his boot.
At the same time, Enciso picked up the ball before slotting it into the net for 1-0.
But while some fans slammed Kiwior for messing around with his shoe, others defended the Pole by claiming he appeared to be stamped on – and therefore VAR should have ruled out Brighton’s strike.
One said: “Embarrassing from Kiwior. Fully deserved for Brighton.”
Another declared: “Kiwior needs to get a grip, shouldn’t be going down there.”
One noted: “Kiwior’s ankle was stepped on from behind and he was on the ground literally a foot away from Enciso as he headed it in. How unaware can VAR get?”
Another added: “Kiwior gets stepped on! VAR no goal!”
Things got worse for Arsenal when Denis Undav put Brighton 2-0 up in the 86th minute.
And Pervis Estupinan ensured the result was a rout with a third in the 96th minute.
The result leaves the Gunners four points behind leaders Man City, who beat Everton 3-0 earlier today and still have a game in hand.
Pep Guardiola’s side will win the title next weekend with a win against Chelsea – or if Arsenal lose the day before when they play Nottingham Forest.
If Arsenal draw their match, City just need a draw themselves to retain their crown.
