The Premier League had to issue two VAR-related statements after a dramatic conclusion to Arsenal’s 1-1 draw with Fulham at Craven Cottage on Sunday, following protests from Arsenal fans regarding key decisions. Before the match, Arsenal knew that a win would reduce their gap to Liverpool to just four points, as Liverpool’s derby against Everton had been postponed due to severe weather. However, Mikel Arteta’s team struggled in the first half and conceded an early goal to Raul Jimenez, leaving them trailing 1-0 at the break.
Despite their poor first-half performance, Arteta’s halftime talk seemed to motivate his players, and Arsenal came out much stronger in the second half. Their efforts paid off in the 52nd minute when William Saliba scored the equalizer, tapping in a loose ball from close range. The goal was initially reviewed by VAR to ensure Saliba was onside. After a thorough check, the goal was confirmed, with the Premier League Match Centre clarifying the decision on Twitter. The statement explained that the on-field decision of a goal was reviewed, and the VAR confirmed Saliba was in an onside position, allowing the goal to stand.
While this decision went in Arsenal’s favor, they were left disappointed later in the match when Bukayo Saka thought he had scored the winning goal. Saka headed in a cross from Gabriel Martinelli, but the goal was ruled out after a VAR review determined that Martinelli had been marginally offside in the buildup to the goal. The Premier League released a statement explaining that while Saka’s goal had initially been awarded on the field, the VAR checked and found that Martinelli had been in an offside position, recommending the disallowance of the goal.
As a result, Arsenal had to settle for a 1-1 draw, which was a blow to their title hopes. The draw left them six points behind league leaders Liverpool, who still had a game in hand. If Liverpool were to win that match, it would extend the gap to nine points, further complicating Arsenal’s pursuit of the Premier League title.
