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Football London
Football London
Sport
Phil Spencer

Dermot Gallagher backs decision to award Watford penalty after foul by Arsenal's David Luiz

Dermot Gallagher has backed Anthony Taylor was his decision to award a penalty to Watford during the draw with Arsenal.

The decision was made late in the second half when Roberto Pereyra was brought down by David Luiz, handing the Hornets an opportunity to draw the game level.

Pereyra subsequently converted from the spot, condemning the Gunners to a 2-2 draw at Vicarage Road.

Questions were asked about whether the Watford man was actually in the box, but speaking on Sky Sports' Ref Watch, Gallagher said that David Luiz and Arsenal could have few arguments about the decision.

He said: "The penalty area - the line belongs to the penalty area so what you’d say is it’s at least on the line but I think it’s certainly in the box. I think it’s a penalty. He trips and it’s a foul.

“The key here is the referees position. The players right behind him have seen it, the assistant will be in line and has seen it, so it’s in the box and a penalty.”

Of course the penalty led Arsenal to drop two points at Vicarage Road, but it was even worse for David Luiz.

The decision made it two penalties conceded in two games for the Brazilian, who will certainly be hoping for a week out of the limelight with the Gunners facing Eintracht Frankfurt and Aston Villa.

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