Wayne Rooney believes Thomas Partey was ‘very lucky’ to avoid giving away a first-half penalty during Arsenal’s 1-0 win at Manchester United on Sunday.
United legend Rooney was quizzed about his former club’s 37th-minute penalty appeal as Amad Diallo went down after a challenge from Arsenal star Partey.
The Ghanaian midfielder stuck a leg out and there appeared to be a little bit of contact, although replays then suggested that Amad’s foot had actually hit Partey’s rather than the other way around.
While Rooney believes the correct decision was made, he and fellow pundit Roy Keane were adamant that Partey was fortunate over the outcome of the incident.
‘I don’t think this is a penalty [but] Partey is very lucky,’ Rooney told Sky Sports. ‘He goes off his feet early and he fortunately just gets a nick on the ball. For me it’s not a penalty but Partey is very lucky.’
Keane, meanwhile, added: ‘He’s a lucky boy. But I do not think it’s a penalty.’
A third United legend, Gary Neville, said: ‘The only question is if Partey does stick his right leg out. Hmm. Does he kick the ball? I’m not sure.’
Former Premier League referee Mike Dean also shared his thoughts on the decision.
‘I think it’s the case of Amad standing on Partey’s foot,’ Dean said. ‘No penalty for me.’
Sunday’s result means Arsenal have won three successive Premier League games against United for the first time since September 1998.
It is a huge boost to Arsenal’s hopes of clinching their first Premier League trophy in 20 years – but title rivals Manchester City are still firmly in the driving seat.
Arsenal sit top of the table and have one top-flight fixture remaining – which comes against Everton at the Emirates – but City are just one point behind with a game in hand.
Pep Guardiola’s side travel to Tottenham on Tuesday with their final match seeing them face West Ham at the Etihad.
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