The Premier League were again forced to release two VAR statements regarding two separate incidents during the Arsenal vs Liverpool match.
Another day, another controversy in the Premier League as Arsenal are frustrated again with refereeing decisions. After the controversies surrounding the red card for William Saliba against Bournemouth it’s again Arsenal vs VAR. Two separate incidents in the match against Liverpool were under judgement which ultimately led to Premier League releasing statements regarding the events. Anyway, it seems that Arsenal are left disappointed again as the decisions look fair and clear from the part of referees. If it was Rob Jones who acted as buzz killer for Arsenal at the Vitality stadium, this time it was Anthony Taylor.
AS THE MATCH HAPPENED
The clash between Arsenal and Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium last Sunday ended in a 2-2 draw. Arsenal took an early lead through winger Bukayo Saka, who blasted through the net for his 50th Premier League goal in the 9th minute. Anyway Liverpool equalized quickly with Virgil van Dijk header from a Andy Robertson corner which was flicked on by Luis Diaz.
Arsenal then dominated the football for the majority of the first half and later went on to take the lead. Mikel Merino’s powerful header from Declan Rice freekick regained the lead for the home side. The second half saw a drastic shift as Liverpool started to dominate the play. In addition to that the Gunners defenders Gabriel Magalhaes and Jurien Timber went off injured. After consistent efforts Mohammed Salah found the leveler in the 81st minute from a Darwin Nunez cross.
The result will keep Liverpool in close proximity but behind reigning champions Manchester City by a point. Despite the injuries in the second half Arsenal were in it until the final whistle that blew a few seconds earlier sparking another controversy.
ARSENAL VS VAR
For the second weekend in a row Arsenal are frustrated by the referral decisions. In the first a few tussles between Liverpool captain Van Dijk and Arsenal forward Kai Havertz sparked a few VAR checks. The dutchman was seen kicking out twice against the German center forward. In addition to that lengthy VAR checks were issued for a duel between Ibrahima Konate and Gabriel Martinelli. The Arsenal winger was sandwiched between Konte and Trent Alexander Arnold. Later the Premier League’s match center deemed the foul invalid by saying that Konate won the ball at the end. According to london.football.
Anyway this sparked more anger into the Gunners players and the home support. We weren’t even back from controversies that sparked when William Saliba was sent off against Bournemouth. The Frenchman was sent off after a last man tackle on the cherry’s forward Evanilson. The referee Rob Jones initially issued a yellow card and was later overturned after consulting VAR. This sparked a few complaints from the travelling Arsenal fans and the fans sitting at home. The fans got even more annoyed after they conceded twice in the second half to drop points.
Coming back to the Liverpool match. Referee Anothony Taylor will never have friends who are Arsenal fans for sure now. After he denied a late goal scoring chance by blowing the whistle too early. This halted a move that would have potentially put Arsenal into a lead late in the match. Anyway that didn’t happen because the referee saw a foul from Arsenal defender Kiwior on Szoboszlai as a precursor to the final pass. Gabriel Jesus who was presented with a tap in opportunity was left astonished by the blow of whistle.
WHAT NEXT FOR ARSENAL?
Gunners sit third in the table five points adrift of the leaders Manchester City. Mikel Arteta and his side will travel to Newcastle United on Saturday. A win would be of huge significance in the further progress of the season for Arsenal. We expect them to use the confidence gained from the midweek victory against Preston North End to good use. Youngster Ethan Nwaneri might see a few more minutes this weekend after his exploits in the domestic cup.
For more sports updates, make sure to follow us on:
