The former Premier League referee has reviewed the footage and thinks Anthony Taylor made a huge error

The tension was already building long before a ball was kicked. This was not just another match in the Premier League calendar. This was a clash that carried weight, emotion, and consequences that could shape the destiny of an entire season. When Manchester City stepped onto the pitch to face Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium, everyone knew something special, and possibly something controversial, was about to unfold.

The fixtures list leading into this moment had already created a sense of drama. Matches were coming thick and fast. Teams like Crystal Palace against West Ham, Brighton facing Chelsea, and Burnley preparing to take on Manchester City all formed part of a tight and unforgiving schedule. Every game mattered. Every point counted. But none of them carried the same emotional heat as this encounter between two title rivals.

For Arsenal, this was more than just three points. It was about belief. It was about proving that after years of waiting, they were finally ready to sit on the throne of English football again. The last time they tasted that glory felt like a lifetime ago, and the pressure was beginning to grow heavier with each passing week.

For Manchester City, the situation was just as intense. Under the guidance of Pep Guardiola, they had built a team that was used to winning, used to dominating, and used to delivering when it mattered most. Dropping points at this stage would not just hurt their chances—it could destroy them.

When the match finally kicked off, it did not take long for the drama to begin. City looked sharp, focused, and determined. They moved the ball with purpose, pressing high and forcing Arsenal into uncomfortable positions. It was clear they understood the importance of the moment.

Then came the breakthrough. Rayan Cherki, full of confidence and creativity, found the back of the net in the 16th minute. The stadium erupted. The noise was deafening. For a brief moment, it felt like Manchester City had taken control not just of the match, but of the title race itself.

But Arsenal are not a team that gives up easily. They came out in the second half with renewed energy and determination. And just moments after the restart, they were handed a lifeline. A shocking mistake from Gianluigi Donnarumma allowed Kai Havertz to equalise. It was a moment that changed everything.

Suddenly, the game was alive again. The tension returned. Every pass, every tackle, every decision became more important than ever. Fans could feel it. Players could feel it. Even those watching from home could sense that something big was coming.

And then, it happened.

The moment that would later dominate headlines, spark debates, and divide opinions across the football world.

Kai Havertz found himself through on goal. It was the kind of opportunity players dream about. One-on-one with the goalkeeper, a clear path to goal, and a chance to put Arsenal ahead in one of the biggest matches of the season. But just as he moved forward, he went down following a challenge from Manchester City defender Abdukodir Khusanov.

For a split second, time seemed to stop.

Arsenal players immediately reacted. They were convinced it was a foul. They demanded action. The fans watching held their breath, waiting for the referee’s whistle.

But Anthony Taylor had a different view. He waved play on.

No foul. No red card. Nothing.

The reaction was instant. Arsenal players were furious. The bench was furious. Fans were furious. It was the kind of decision that could change a game—and possibly even a season.

Later, the incident was reviewed by Keith Hackett, a man with years of experience in refereeing at the highest level. His verdict was clear, and it added even more fuel to the fire.

In his view, Havertz was in a strong attacking position, moving directly toward goal. The contact from Khusanov, even if not heavy, was enough to stop his progress. And in football, denying a clear goalscoring opportunity is one of the most serious offences.

Hackett believed the decision should have been simple. A foul should have been given. And because Havertz was through on goal, Khusanov should have been shown a red card.

That one moment could have changed everything.

Imagine Manchester City playing with ten men for a large part of the second half. Imagine Arsenal having the advantage, the momentum, and the belief that comes with such a situation. The entire outcome of the match could have been different.

But that was not the only controversial moment.

As the game continued, tensions began to rise. Challenges became harder. Words were exchanged. And then came another flashpoint—this time involving Gabriel Magalhães and Erling Haaland.

The two players went head-to-head, literally. Foreheads touched. Tempers flared. It was a moment that had the potential to explode into something much worse.

According to Hackett, the situation should have been handled more strictly. While both players initially showed aggression, it was Gabriel’s movement that caught the most attention. He appeared to push his head forward toward Haaland—a gesture that can be considered violent conduct.

In football, even the attempt of such an action can lead to a red card.

But once again, the referee chose a lenient approach.

No red card.

Just a warning.

This decision also drew criticism from Mark Clattenburg, who shared a similar opinion. He explained that while both players could have been given yellow cards for their aggressive behavior, Gabriel’s second movement crossed the line.

In his view, that should have been enough for a red card.

These moments, when added together, created a sense of injustice among Arsenal supporters. They felt decisions had gone against them at crucial points in the game. And in matches of this magnitude, those decisions can have massive consequences.

Despite all the controversy, the game continued. And Manchester City found their moment once again.

Erling Haaland, the man who thrives under pressure, stepped up. With strength, precision, and confidence, he restored City’s lead in the second half. It was a goal that sent the Etihad into celebration and pushed Arsenal into a difficult position.

From that point on, City held firm. They defended with discipline, managed the game wisely, and refused to give Arsenal another way back.

When the final whistle blew, the scoreline read 2-1.

Manchester City had secured a vital victory.

The result did more than just add three points to their tally. It kept the title race alive. It sent a message to Arsenal. And it reminded everyone that under Pep Guardiola, City are never out of the fight.

The standings now show a gap of just three points between the two sides. And with more fixtures still to come, the race is far from over. City even have the chance to go top if they win their next match against Burnley.

That is how quickly things can change.

One week, you are leading the table. The next, you are chasing.

For Arsenal, the defeat was painful. Not just because of the result, but because of the “what if” moments. What if the red card had been given? What if the decisions had gone differently? What if Havertz had stayed on his feet and scored?

These questions will linger.

But football does not wait. The schedule moves on. More games are coming. More challenges lie ahead.

Matches like Fulham vs Aston Villa, Liverpool vs Crystal Palace, and Arsenal’s next clash against Newcastle will all play their part in shaping the final outcome of the season. Every team is fighting for something—titles, European places, survival.

And in the middle of it all, the pressure continues to rise.

For Manchester City, confidence will be high. They know they have the experience, the quality, and the mentality to go all the way. They have been here before. They understand what it takes.

For Arsenal, the challenge is now mental as much as it is physical. They must respond. They must stay focused. They must not allow this defeat to define their season.

Because in football, especially in a league as competitive as the Premier League, nothing is decided until the very end.

This match will be remembered not just for the goals, but for the controversy. For the debates. For the moments that could have changed everything.

Fans will argue about it for days, weeks, maybe even years. Was it a red card? Was it the right decision? Did the referee get it wrong?

There may never be a clear answer that satisfies everyone.

But one thing is certain.

This game has added another chapter to an already incredible title race. And as the season moves toward its final stages, the drama is only going to increase.

Every tackle will matter. Every decision will be questioned. Every goal will feel like a turning point.

And in the end, only one team will lift the trophy.

But right now, the race is wide open.