Analysis errors that even an excellent referee can make
Szymon Marciniak managed Sporting-Arsenal in Alvalade. The Polish international received help from compatriot Tomasz Kwiatkowski (he served as VAR). Marciniak has had a remarkable career, being rightfully considered one of the best in the world. But in arbitration, not even this recognition is synonymous with infallibility. The game had several analysis errors, but it is fair to emphasize that they did not undermine justice in relation to the winner of the match.
Below is a technical analysis of the most relevant moves in the game:
3′ First yellow card of the match shown to Diomande, for a reason that the images did not clarify (perhaps protests with the assistant referee).
7′ One of the many interesting situations of the challenge: Arsenal's first goal was well validated, because neither Bukayo Saka (first) nor Martinelli (later) were in an irregular position. If the ball had not gone in, it is almost certain that Sporting would have been penalized with a penalty kick, due to a very obvious grab/pull by St. Right to Harveytz's left arm.
21′ New excellent analysis from the assistant referee when validating the English team's second, scored by Harvetz. Saka has never been in an illegal position.
32′ Well marked offside for Arsenal's attack. However, Saka was taken down by Morita immediately beforehand. Marciniak could have recovered from the initial infraction, signaling a free kick straight to the Londoners.
37′ Declan Rice shot dangerously at Franco Israel's goal, culminating a cool move by Arsenal's attack. Some Portuguese players “asked” to handle the ball and offside, but for no reason.
45+1′ Arsenal's third goal scored by Gabriel Magalhães, following a corner kick. Here too, if the ball hadn't gone in, Marciniak would surely have been called upon to score a penalty for Arsenal. It's just that Diomande exaggerated the way he marked Harvetz, using his arms excessively (he hit his opponent twice in the face/head)
50′ Havertz's right arm illegally controlled the ball, starting a dangerous move for his team. The infraction escaped the referee's scrutiny.
52′ Raya wasted time again (he had done it before), and was justly warned
63′ Diomande aimed for the ball, but his right foot only connected with Odegaard's left heel, bringing him down in his box. The penalty shot was well sanctioned. The center forward's infraction prevented the opponent's clear scoring chance. Due to the end of the so-called triple penalty, the Sporting defender should have received a second yellow card and subsequent red card. The match referee made a mistake there.
Diomande's foul in the box on Odegaard inside the penalty area
67′ Rolled ball, after a shot by Gyokeres, was saved by Raya before crossing his goal line. The referee and technology decided correctly. Cool throw.
69′ Diomande must “review” the way he uses his hands and arms when marking opponents, under penalty of being penalized and, more seriously, penalizing his team. In this case, the Ivorian defender saw Havertz approaching, blocked him with his body and then stretched his right arm towards the opponent's neck/face, hitting him. The player's conscious and deliberate action falls within a situation of violent conduct. Penalty kick to be scored and red card to be shown.
82′ At the time of Merino's shot, Trossard (who made the successful reload) was in a legal position. Arsenal's fifth goal was well validated.
90+3′ Trossard isolated himself, missing an opportunity in a promising area. The Belgian striker started from his own midfield, therefore from a legal position.
