The Premier League issued two VAR statements after dramatic late moments during Arsenal’s 1-1 draw with Fulham at Craven Cottage on Sunday, following protests from Arsenal fans.
Before the match, Arsenal knew a victory over Marco Silva’s side would cut their gap to Liverpool to four points, as Liverpool’s derby against Everton was postponed due to bad weather. However, Mikel Arteta’s team struggled in the first half and fell behind early from a Raul Jimenez goal.
Arteta’s halftime words seemed to inspire his team, and Arsenal came out stronger in the second half. William Saliba equalized in the 52nd minute, tapping in from close range. After a VAR check confirmed Saliba was onside, the goal was upheld. The Premier League Match Centre explained the decision on Twitter: “The referee’s call of goal was checked and confirmed by the VAR as Saliba was in an onside position.”
Though Arsenal benefited from that decision, they were left disappointed when Bukayo Saka’s potential winner was ruled out. Saka had headed in a cross from Gabriel Martinelli, but a VAR review showed Martinelli was marginally offside in the build-up, leading to the goal being overturned.
The Premier League then released a statement: “Saka’s goal was initially awarded on-field. VAR checked and determined that Martinelli was in an offside position in the build-up and recommended that the goal be disallowed.”
As a result, Arsenal had to settle for a draw, a setback for their Premier League title ambitions. They now trail Liverpool by six points, with Liverpool still holding a game in hand that could extend the gap to nine points.
