Shay Given calls out ‘crazy’ Kolo Muani incident he saw in Tottenham defeat vs Arsenal
Shay Given believes it was “crazy” not to allow Randal Kolo Muani’s second goal for Tottenham against Arsenal on Sunday.
Tottenham striker Kolo Muani cancelled out Eberechi Eze’s first-half opener, and then it looked like he had come to the rescue again when he fired in after Viktor Gyokeres’ strike, seemingly making it 2-2.
However, the goal was chalked off for an apparent push on Gabriel Magalhaes, as Arsenal went on to secure a 4-1 victory at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday.
On reflection, the incident looked harsh on the hosts, especially as Manchester United’s Leny Yoro and Liverpool’s Hugo Ekitike had very similar goals given against Fulham and Tottenham earlier this season.
And Given joked Arsenal centre-back Gabriel’s antics were BAFTA-worthy.
Shay Given criticises officials over Randal Kolo Muani disallowed goal
Speaking on Match of the Day 2 on Sunday, Given felt it was “soft” to rule out Kolo Muani’s goal in the North London Derby.
The former Republic of Ireland international said football is a physical sport, but the way Gabriel went down was an excellent piece of acting.
Given also felt that referee Peter Bankes should have allowed the goal to stand, or at least gone to VAR for a second opinion.
“I just think it was soft. You see Gabriel and Kolo Muani. There’s a coming together, but this is the Premier League,” he said.
“We talk about it every week, it’s a physical sport. The way Gabriel has gone down. The BAFTAs are up the road and look at his legs up in the air, it’s crazy.
“I think Peter Bankes should have let that go, or at least speak to VAR.”
The result means Arsenal are now five points clear at the top of the Premier League table, whereas Tottenham are down in 16th.
Tottenham’s wretched start to 2026
This result means Tottenham are just four points above the relegation zone, at a time when they easily progressed to the last 16 of the Champions League.
Their poor league form cost summer appointee Thomas Frank his job, with Igor Tudor succeeding him until the end of the season.
This was always going to be a tough game against the league leaders, but the manner of the victory will be concerning to many. This also means Tottenham haven’t won in the league since 28 December.
| Tottenham’s winless Premier League run | Date |
| Tottenham 1-4 Arsenal (Igor Tudor’s first game in charge) | 22 February |
| Tottenham 1-2 Newcastle (Thomas Frank then sacked) | 10 February |
| Man Utd 2-0 Tottenham | 7 February |
| Tottenham 2-2 Man City | 1 February |
| Burnley 2-2 Tottenham | 24 January |
| Tottenham 1-2 West Ham | 17 January |
| Bournemouth 3-2 Tottenham | 7 January |
| Tottenham 1-1 Sunderland | 4 January |
| Brentford 0-0 Tottenham | 1 January |
Back then, they beat a low-on-confidence Crystal Palace side 1-0 at Selhurst Park, and in not too long, they welcome the Eagles to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Before that game against their fellow strugglers on 5 March, Tottenham travel to London neighbours Fulham four days earlier.
If Tottenham are not careful, they could be in the relegation zone in not too long.
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