Martin Keown in Aston Villa v Cardiff City claim as he makes Marcus Rashford point
The Match of the Day pundit analysed the FA Cup clash
Arsenal legend Martin Keown believes Aston Villa were fortunate to have gotten away with a penalty claim in the first half of their FA Cup tie with Cardiff City.
The Bluebirds held firm for much of the clash at Villa Park, despite being under the pump for most of the match. However, in a flashpoint just before the half-time break, with the game locked at 0-0, Cardiff had a huge penalty claim.
City right-back Perry Ng was brought down in the box by Villa defender Lamare Bogarde. The Cardiff man nicked the ball past the Dutchman and hit the ground after feeling contact, prompting Cardiff boss Omer Riza to erupt on the touchline.
However, Peter Bankes waved away the claims. here was semi-automated VAR for offsides only at Villa Park, however the VAR system in use in the Premier League was not available on the night for normal decisions. Sign up to our daily Cardiff City newsletter here.
Speaking on BBC's Match of the Day on Saturday night, Keown said of the decision: "If it's given, it's not overturned by VAR."
Swansea legend Ashley Williams, meanwhile, disagreed. "It's not a penalty for me," said the former Wales captain.
It was a tough evening for Champions League outfit Villa, however their class showed through in the end, with two goals from PSG loanee Marco Asensio seeing the hosts advance through to the quarter-finals.
Manchester United loanee Marcus Rashford had a lively outing, too, but didn't have it all his own way against Ng and teenage debutant Dylan Lawlor, who made it a tricky evening for the England international at times.
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Rashford missed an open goal and had a stinging shot saved by Ethan Horvath, too, but Keown believes he is looking far more comfortable now - but needs to find the back of the net, which he is yet to do for his new side, to get those confidence levels up.
"I think Asensio and Rashford, they look the real deal. It's great to see Rashford now finally looking comfortable, but Asensio is the one," Keown added.
"Bailey has had a quiet season but he was good again. But Rashford, in the pockets, look how he comes on to this (shot), with real confidence. I like that he's playing in the final third and they are getting the best from him.
"He needs to get a goal, for his confidence. But these players are frightening, with talent on the bench. There is a lot of options."