There were some huge talking points during Aston Villa’s 1-1 draw at West Ham United on Sunday.
Nicolo Zaniolo might not be having the best of times following his loan move from Galatasaray in the summer, but he earned his Champions League-chasing team a huge point at the London Stadium.
Whilst everyone was talking about Tomas Soucek’s stoppage-time winner being disallowed, Michael Owen was also keen to mention the first-half penalty Aston Villa should have been awarded.
The former striker thinks Emerson’s arm was in an ‘unnatural’ position following Leon Bailey’s cross and Unai Emery’s men should have earned a spot-kick, as he told Premier League Productions (17/03/24 at 2:55 pm).
That was a huge moment in the game because Michail Antonio would then open the scoring with a brilliant diving header.
Every Aston Villa fan would have looked on with frustration after that because the team just couldn’t get going again and West Ham were the better side.
The half-time changes and the changes in the second half ended up working in Aston Villa’s favour because the well-worked equaliser came with ten minutes left on the clock.
But when Michael Owen is even disagreeing with VAR, then you know you have got something wrong.
Emerson handball
“In normal situations, it’s fine, isn’t it, but it all of a sudden means it’s not a natural position and your arms going out to point, but to block the ball,” said Owen.
“Normally, I would say ‘no way’. When the ball just clips up and hits someone’s hand. I hate the handball rule and I don’t want them given.
“But, all of a sudden, if you point to someone, then your arm goes into an unnatural position, then the ball hits you, I am not screaming and saying ‘it’s got to be a pen’, but on a balance, I think it’s a penalty.
“His arm goes into an unnatural position. He shouldn’t be putting his arm out there to point.”
Aston Villa’s defence
It has been lacking for far too long now. Yes, you sympathise with the manager that we are missing such key players.
But these types of performances just can’t continue, or else, we won’t be playing Champions League football next season.
This international break is needed, in truth, because it allows players to take their minds off club matters and concentrate on their country.
Hopefully, everyone returns fit and ready to go because this final run-in is now where it matters the most.
