Was Monreal's Challenge On Valencia A Penalty?

Andre Marriner waved away Man Utd’s appeal for a penalty after Antonio Valencia went down under the challenge of Nacho Monreal – was it the right call?

The score was goalless when Valencia was brought down by the Arsenal defender in the first half, with Jose Mourinho left furious by Marriner's decision to play on.

The game eventually ended 1-1, but in the Sky Sports studio at half-time, Ryan Giggs and Thierry Henry were split on whether it was the correct decision to ignore Valencia's plea.

Giggs said: "It was a penalty, just. I shouted penalty at the time and even though I think it's soft, he's got the wrong side of him.

"It would have been soft, but my instant reaction was penalty."

But Henry disagreed, saying: "We have the luxury of the replay, and at the time I thought it was a penalty, but looking back I don't think it is.

"There's not enough contact for me. Valencia is trying to buy a foul and he didn't get it."

Credit: Skysports.com