Mike Jackson left the Emirates Stadium frustrated on two fronts on Saturday — disappointed by the result but seething at what he believes was a clear case of refereeing negligence involving Kai Havertz in the second half of Burnley's 1-0 defeat to Arsenal.

The Burnley interim manager is adamant the Germany international should have been shown a second yellow card or a straight red during the closing stages of the match, a decision he feels could have altered the entire complexion of the game at a pivotal moment in the Clarets' survival fight.

Jackson pleased despite the defeat

For all his anger over the Havertz incident, Jackson was not entirely without positives to take from the Emirates. He spoke after the final whistle of how Burnley had kept themselves in the contest for long periods and showed the sort of collective organisation that gives him belief the squad can still fight for points between now and the end of the season.

Keeping Arsenal — one of the title contenders — honest for stretches of a Premier League fixture is no mean feat for a side rooted in a relegation battle. The noises out of the Burnley camp suggest Jackson feels the margin of defeat flattered the hosts, and that his players gave everything asked of them on the day.

The Havertz controversy

The flashpoint that dominates Jackson's post-match thinking centres on an incident involving Havertz in the second half, which the Burnley bench felt warranted a dismissal. Jackson was unequivocal in his view that the referee missed a significant moment — one that, in his estimation, should have left Arsenal playing the final stages with ten men.

Whether or not the incident was the sort of clear and obvious error that prompts VAR intervention remains a matter of debate, but Jackson was in no mood to let it pass quietly. Managers in his position — fighting to keep a club in the Premier League — know all too well that fine margins and referee calls can be the difference between survival and relegation.

Arsenal, for their part, secured the three points through the game's only goal and continue to press their own agenda at the top of the table. The result does little to ease the pressure on Burnley, who remain in dangerous territory at the bottom of the division.

Where does this leave Burnley?

Jackson was only appointed on an interim basis, and every result carries enormous weight. A defeat at Arsenal was always the most likely outcome on paper, but the manner and the refereeing controversy will sting. He will want a response from his squad in the coming fixtures, where points become absolutely non-negotiable.

For Arsenal, a clean sheet and three points keeps momentum building. For Burnley, the 1-0 scoreline adds to a grim points tally and leaves Jackson demanding answers over decisions he believes went against his side when it mattered most.

  • Result: Arsenal 1-0 Burnley
  • Key controversy: Havertz not dismissed in the second half, per Jackson
  • Burnley status: Remain in relegation trouble

Frequently asked

Why did Mike Jackson say Havertz should have been sent off?
Jackson believes Kai Havertz committed an offence in the second half that merited a red card. The Burnley interim manager was vocal after the final whistle that the referee failed to act on an incident he felt was clear enough to warrant a dismissal.
What was the final score between Arsenal and Burnley?
Arsenal beat Burnley 1-0 in a Premier League fixture that left Burnley's interim manager Mike Jackson frustrated both by the result and a controversial refereeing call involving Kai Havertz.
Who is Burnley's manager right now?
Mike Jackson is currently serving as Burnley's interim manager and was in the dugout for the 1-0 defeat at Arsenal.