HAPPENING NOW: Arsenal Awarded Three Points After Stunning VAR Overturn – Sunderland Goal Ruled Out Under Updated Offside Interpretation, PGMOL Confirms
Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher has broken down three major refereeing controversies from Arsenal’s dramatic 2–2 draw against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light — a match that has now become the center of fresh VAR chaos and a shocking post-match ruling.
Arsenal looked set for victory after brilliant goals from Leandro Trossard and Bukayo Saka, yet they were forced to settle for a draw — at least initially.
Sunderland struck first when Arsenal academy graduate Dan Ballard ended David Raya’s incredible 800-minute clean-sheet run, smashing home after Nordi Mukiele headed down a Robin Roefs free-kick. But the goal, along with two other key moments, has since fallen under intense scrutiny.
Contentious Incidents Reviewed
Arsenal believed they had found a late winner after Trossard fired in a thunderous strike from the edge of the area, but the game’s earlier flashpoints dominated discussion after the final whistle.
The most heated moment came just minutes into the match when Ballard challenged Mikel Merino for an aerial ball, appearing to catch the midfielder with his elbow. Merino required lengthy treatment, yet referee Craig Pawson and VAR concluded the collision was neither a foul nor violent conduct.
Arteta was furious at the decision — and Gallagher has now weighed in.
Speaking on Sky Sports Ref Watch, he said:
“VAR checked it. I don’t believe it’s a foul. Ballard uses his arms to gain height, but Merino actually moves into him. It’s physical, but these kinds of clashes happen all the time. Strong defending.”
Controversial Free-Kick & Arsenal’s Conceded Goal
Ballard’s opener also raised eyebrows after Martin Zubimendi was judged to have committed a foul in the buildup — a call many critics insist was extremely soft.
Gallagher agreed the Arsenal midfielder was hard done by:
“It’s harsh to even give the free-kick — and the yellow card makes it even worse. I think the referee misread the situation.”
However, he fully defended Sunderland’s second goal despite protests from Gabriel Magalhães, who argued dangerous play.
“That’s a legitimate goal. The Sunderland player is only focused on the ball.
