'No doubt' - Pundit slams Aston Villa star for controversial moment in 3-1 win over Fulham
There were several dubious decisions made by referee Andrew Madley in the match
Aston Villa got their long overdue first league win of the season against Fulham in a match which had plenty of talking points.
Raul Jimenez put the Cottagers 1-0 up after just three minutes at Villa Park. The visitors then had a penalty shout when Josh King was charged down by Emiliano Martinez, however the referee gave the midfielder a yellow card for diving. Just minutes later, Fulham had another penalty shout, when a King shot hit the arm of Matty Cash in the box, however VAR said play on.
After that, the match was all Villa as Ollie Watkins bagged his first goal of the season following his penalty miss in midweek. Goals from John McGinn and Emiliano Buendia then sealed the win for Unai Emery’s side. The three points takes the Villans out of the relegation zone, into 16th place. Despite the much-needed win, a former referee has stated Villa were lucky to get away with a particular call.
‘No Doubt’ Cash incident was a penalty says ex PGMOL Chief
Former Premier League referee, Keith Hackett thinks that Andrew Madley and VAR, Matt Donohue got it wrong for the Cash handball incident and that Fulham should’ve been awarded a penalty. He told Football Insider: “Whilst it may appear harsh, there is no doubt that Matty Cash has made his body shape bigger to block the ball. He is fortunate that he didn’t have a penalty kick awarded against him.”
The shot from King was headed goal bound which also indicates Villa were a bit lucky with the decision made. Furthermore, the incident came at a crucial time in the game, as The Cottagers would’ve had a golden opportunity to double their lead at Villa Park.
Unai Emery won’t care a jot about the controversy, as his team pick up their first win of the season after a poor start. He will also take encouragement from the fact his side scored three in the match, having struggled in front of goal so far.
Marco Silva on ‘incredible’ non-penalty call
The Fulham boss was left flabbergasted that a spot kick wasn’t given in both incidents and vented his frustrations in his post-match interview on Sky Sports. Silva described the decisions as ‘incredible’ and said ‘we cannot understand’ why neither was given.
It isn’t the first time Fulham have had big VAR calls go against them this season. On the opening day, Manchester United were given a goal when Leny Yoro appeared to push Calvin Bassey in the box before heading the ball home. Furthermore, King had a goal disallowed against Chelsea after Rodrigo Muniz was adjudged to have fouled Trevoh Chalobah in the build up, but replays showed this was very harsh.
The Cottagers were looking to make it three wins from three against Villa, after wins over Leeds United and Brentford but came up short on the day. Next up for Emery’s men is Feyenoord in the Europa League as they look to make it two wins from two.