Welcome to Monday’s Football Today newsletter column, which is packed with news, opinions and more.
We look at a major talking point from football and highlight some of the best stories elsewhere on the internet.
You will also find links to some of the top features on Football Today and what to watch out for over the next day.
Havertz gets his comeuppance after despicable chicanery
Anyone who thinks that the Premier League is all that matters in English football was given a rude awakening yesterday afternoon.
The FA Cup third-round clash between Arsenal and Manchester United was a slow-burner but ultimately delivered plenty of excitement.
Kai Havertz played a key role in the drama. With the two sides level at 1-1 in the second half, the misfiring German forward took centre stage.
His pathetic dive as he dribbled past United defender Harry Maguire in the 69th minute fooled hapless referee Andy Madley into awarding a penalty.
With no VAR available, the decision stood. From there, mayhem ensued. Maguire was incandescent with rage and got verbally stuck into Havertz.
The situation escalated, with players engaging in handbags on the edge of the box. Havertz decided this was another chance to demonstrate his acting skills.
He went head-to-head with United midfielder Manuel Ugarte before falling to the floor and clutching his face in the manner of someone who had been shot.
Both acts of simulation warranted a yellow card, and Havertz should have been sent off. Unsurprisingly, Madley failed to deliver justice.
Thankfully, the footballing gods intervened. United goalkeeper Altay Bayindir denied Martin Odegaard from the spot to keep the scores level.
Havertz then fluffed chances to win the game for Arsenal before getting the ultimate comeuppance in the penalty shoot-out.
Bayindir produced another fine save to deny Havertz, and United held their nerve to emerge victorious.
If Havertz had put as much energy into his finishing as his despicable acting, Arsenal would still be in the FA Cup.
If the FA have any backbone, they’ll ban him for bringing the game into disrepute. Cheat.
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What to watch
The FA Cup tie between Millwall versus Dagenham & Redbridge may not immediately scream ‘game worth watching’, but it could be a feisty one.
