Arsenal are denied a late equaliser against Aston Villa after Kai Havertz handball…with Jamie Carragher hailing referee Jarred Gillett for making an ‘unbelievable’ decision

Arsenal were denied a crucial injury-time equalizer against Aston Villa after Kai Havertz was spotted handling the ball in the penalty area.

The Gunners thought they had leveled the match in the dying minutes at Villa Park when Havertz sneaked in at the back post and turned the ball into the net.

However, the German was soon denied what would have been a huge goal in the Premier League title race when Australian referee Jarred Gillett blew his whistle to disallow the goal.

Confusion soon reverberated around Arsenal's ranks, with Mikel Arteta's side believing they had taken a point in one of the toughest grounds in the English top flight before the goal was canceled out.

VAR scrutinized the decision as Michael Salisbury and assistant Scott Ledger covered every angle of the incident that saw the ball rattle between Havertz and defender Matty Cash.

Arsenal were denied a crucial injury-time equalizer against Aston Villa on Saturday after referee Jarred Gillett disallowed the goal for handball

Arsenal's Kai Havertz (left) was adjudged to have handled the ball in the penalty area before scoring

Replays showed Havertz controlled the falling ball with the top of his hand before slamming his shot into the back of the net.

The VAR duo ultimately agreed with Gillett's initial decision on the pitch and play eventually resumed after Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez was treated for an eye injury.

Villa were able to battle their way through a tricky final few minutes to hold on to their slim lead and claim another huge win, having already beaten Man City earlier in the week.

Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher praised Gillett for making an 'incredible' decision which was later confirmed by VAR to be the right decision.

VAR reviewed Gillett's decision on the pitch before allowing the game to continue at Villa Park

Commenting on the match for Sky Sports, Carragher said: 'It comes out of the top of his hand and then he puts it in there before he volleys it in.

“That's an incredible decision by the referee when he gets it in real time,” he added.

Arsenal tried to rally after their goal was chalked up but failed to get on target as Eddie Nketiah fired a header over the crossbar.

The defeat ensures Liverpool retain their place at the top of the Premier League, while Unai Emery's Villa are now just one point behind the Gunners.