‘Miles away’ – Havertz ‘lucky’ to avoid red cardFigure caption, Arsenal one step closer to title after hard-fought win over BurnleyByMichael EmonsBBC Sport journalistPublished32 minutes agoKai Havertz took Arsenal closer to winning their first Premier League title in 22 years, but nearly went from hero to villain as he was fortunate to not be sent off.
The 26-year-old German started instead of in-form Viktor Gyokeres and repaid Mikel Arteta’s faith in him when he headed in Bukayo Saka’s corner to give the Gunners a 37th-minute lead over Burnley.
But Havertz very nearly was dismissed midway through the second half, when, in the middle of the pitch, he slid in and his studs caught Lesley Ugochukwu on his left calf.
Havertz was only booked by referee Paul Tierney, with video assistant referee James Bell not advising the official to watch the incident back on a pitchside monitor.
Mikel Arteta decided to replace Havertz with Gyokeres minutes later as the Gunners held on for a nervy 1-0 win to move one win away from becoming champions.
Former England defender Gary Neville, commentating for Sky Sports, stated: “Vicious from Havertz. He is miles away from the ball. I don’t like that. The height of it and the fact it is on the standing leg.”
After VAR did not get involved, Neville added: “I don’t think that is right. He is a lucky boy.”
A statement from the Premier League Match Centre stated: “The referee’s call of yellow card to Havertz was checked and confirmed by VAR – with the challenge deemed not to be serious foul play.”
