04 May 2024 , 14:49
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Kai Havertz has insisted Arsenal deserved the controversial penalty he won in their 3-0 win over Bournemouth.
Havertz was brought down in the box by Bournemouth goalkeeper Mark Travers and referee David Coote immediately pointed to the spot, with a VAR check confirming his decision as correct.
Bukayo Saka promptly converted the penalty on the stroke of half-time to give Arsenal the lead, with second-half goals from Leandro Trossard and Declan Rice wrapping up a 3-0 win to put Mikel Arteta's side four points clear at the top of the table.
However, the penalty decision proved controversial, with Gunners legend Ian Wright among those who felt it should not have been given. But when quizzed on the incident after the game, Havertz told TNT Sports: "I haven't seen the replay, but I think he touches me.
"In the situation I felt the contact and that's why I went down. For me it's a penalty. I said to the goalkeeper as well 'you touched me' so I think he understood as well. Maybe it's not that clear but you can give it for sure."
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Reflecting on the match as a whole, Havertz added: "It was a tough game, we had lots of chances in the first-half especially. We didn't manage to score them and then it was tough in the second-half.
"They have a good team, they played quite well. At the end we are happy with the three goals and three points. I just enjoy on the pitch right now. I have so many good players behind me. It's just fun, to play as a No.9 as well, I really enjoy that role.
Havertz won a controversial penalty as Arsenal beat Bournemouth 3-0"I know there's two more games to play, we're going to give everything. Hopefully we can enjoy the last two games and win those games. Then we'll see where we're going."
Manchester City currently have two games in hand over Arsenal, but the Gunners remain confident in their chances of lifting the title. "I wasn't here last year but I can sense that we are embracing it," Rice told TNT Sports.
"Man City are a machine and they don't lose many. Anything can happen in football. Surprises can happen and miracles can happen and we just have to stay focused."
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