“I don’t think he could even see it properly” - Gary Lineker delivers verdict on whether Arsenal defender William Saliba fouled Joao Pedro for penalty

England legend Gary Lineker has given his take on whether William Saliba’s challenge on Joao Pedro in the clash between Brighton & Hove Albion and Arsenal was a foul. The footballer-turned-broadcaster believes a penalty should not have been awarded, claiming that referee Anthony Taylor gave the Seagulls a spot kick because Joao Pedro went down screaming.

Arsenal had to settle for a point after a 1-1 draw on Saturday, January 4, at the Amex Stadium after Pedro equalized from the spot (61’). Ethan Nwaneri had given the Gunners the lead early in the first half (16’).

The controversial incident came in the 59th minute when Saliba mistakenly headed Pedro in his own box while attempting to put the ball to safety. After a VAR review, Taylor awarded the hosts a penalty, much to the dismay of Arsenal fans.

The penalty call elicited a lot of mixed reactions, with Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta saying he had never seen a decision like that in his lifetime. Football pundits have also weighed in on the on-field decision.

In a discussion on BBC Match of the Day, former Newcastle player Alan Shearer believed Anthony Taylor was right to award Brighton a penalty and pointed out that Saliba mistimed his challenge.

Shearer then asked fellow pundit Lineker for his take, and the former England international responded:

“If you look at it in really slow motion, and let’s pretend that Saliba didn’t head the ball, but he clearly did. He headed it before he touched the player. Now normally in a tackle in the box, if a player gets a toe in and gets it away, and then he flicks the fella’s ankle, normally now the referees will go, no, he got the ball."

“So that’s to answer that question. But if you look at it in slow motion, it’s very different to looking at it in normal speed. In normal speed, you would never have given. I think he’s given the penalty. I don’t think he could even see it properly. I think he gave the penalty because Joao Pedro went down screaming – and do we want to give penalties for that?” he added.

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Gary Lineker says Arsenal star needs coaching

In another report, Gary Lineker opined that Arsenal forward Gabriel Jesus could need some 'centre-forward coaching' at Arsenal. While Jesus has improved his scoring record for the Gunners lately, his goal-scoring form in the current season so far is quite underwhelming for a player of his caliber.

The Brazilian has scored seven goals and provided two assists in 25 appearances this term and failed to make an impact against Brighton.

Lineker admires the work ethic of the former Manchester City man but says he needs a specific coach for his role to get in the right areas on the pitch.

He said on The Rest is Football podcast (via Metro):

''Gabriel Jesus is honest and he runs and runs. ‘He’s got a one-in-three goalscoring record which was similar to the one he had at Manchester City. I think he’s almost too game, he runs everywhere, he goes back deep to get the ball. With a bit of centre-forward-style coaching you’d just tell him to stay up the middle, stay at the top. Don’t come deep all the time because Arsenal need him in the box. ‘But he’s probably one of those players who aren’t going to change now.'"

Since moving to the Emirates, Gabriel Jesus has scored 26 goals and provided 17 assists for the Gunners in 94 appearances across competitions.