Arsenal learn what VAR said on Patrick Dorgu goal for Man Utd after 'handball' debate

Patrick Dorgu put Manchester United ahead against Arsenal (Image: PA)

It has been confirmed why Patrick Dorgu's goal for Manchester United against Arsenal was not disallowed for a handball. The 21-year-old fired an effort in off the crossbar to put United ahead in a thriller at the Emirates Stadium.

Former Premier League referee Mike Dean relayed the same stance as VAR, which stated any offence committed in "inconclusive". Dean said on Sky Sports: "We've just heard from the VAR, Paul Tierney, and it's a fair comment, it's inconclusive, you can't tell.

"That's what VAR just said, it looks like it's hit his hip. On field decision is correct, goal is given."

Dorgu combined well with Bruno Fernandes inside Arsenal's half before smashing the ball towards the goal . Goalkeeper David Raya was helpless as the effort hit the crossbar before bouncing into the roof of the net.

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Arsenal had gone ahead against United through a Lisandro Martinez own goal. However, Martin Zubimendi's error allowed Bryan Mbeumo to level the scoring inside the first half.

Swiftly after Dorgu put Michael Carrick's side ahead, Mikel Arteta acted with four quickfire subs. Ben White, Viktor Gyokeres, Mikel Merino and Eberechi Eze all came on before the hour, with Piero Hincapie, Gabriel Jesus, Martin Odegaard and Zubimendi coming off.

The feeling among the Sky Sports studio at half time was that the Gunners seemed to struggle against United. "It looked like the goal kind of set Arsenal back a little bit," Roy Keane said. "They definitely look tentative, they look nervous.

Arsenal squandered a lead against Manchester United and went 2-1 down (Image: Getty Images)

"It's a bit like the Liverpool game here a few weeks ago. The fans seem nervous, as if they're afraid to embrace the challenge. They're more concentrating on not losing the game."

He added: "A bit of calmness, a bit of composure. And United obviously have had a lot of encouragement.

"You can see it here again, Arsenal, just even trying to keep it at the back. They looked a bit nervous at the back. Lovely, lovely finish and United deserved that. There's definitely tension in the air and they're not dealing with it."

Speaking about his old club at the break, former Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira said: "It feels tense. There's not enough risk. I want Arsenal to be braver."