'There is no doubt': Former referee delivers verdict on Aston Villa vs Arsenal decisions

Aston Villa secured another giant-slaying performance at the weekend following their win over Manchester City during the midweek fixtures. Unai Emery's side earned another close 1-0 victory on Saturday, thwarting Arsenal who are once again competing at the top of the Premier League table.

Thanks to an early goal from John McGinn, Villa smashed their own glass ceiling by recording their 15th straight home win in England's top flight. Their latest three points puts them third in the table with 35 points, two ahead of reigning champions City and two behind new leaders Liverpool.

Arsenal will be feeling the sting of the narrow defeat, especially as they had a goal of their own chalked off late in the game. Kai Havertz found the back of the net for what the Gunners hoped was a hard-fought equaliser, but it was disallowed following a handball call.

Former referee Dermot Gallagher gave his verdict on the decisions made during the weekend's action for Sky Sports' Ref Watch.

"It is key that this was called on the field," Gallagher said on the Havertz handball. "There is no doubt that it hits his arm and he puts the ball in the net, so under the new law that is how it is. The good thing is that the referee did spot it. The VAR checks because the ball has gone in the net but it was the ref who disallowed the goal and quite rightly."

He also agreed with the decision not to award Arsenal with a penalty after Gabriel Jesus went down in the box following a challenge from Douglas Luiz.

"I didn't think it was a penalty. They just got tangled up. They've got this threshold. It's not about whether the VAR agrees with the decision or not. It's about whether it meets the threshold for a clear and obvious error," he continued.

Villa's impressive form has put them right up at the top of the Premier League and many are discussing whether they can continue these performances and keep their hat in the ring for the title.