The Premier League was required to release two VAR statements following dramatic late moments during Arsenal’s 1-1 draw with Fulham at Craven Cottage on Sunday, due to protests from Arsenal supporters.
Before the match, Arsenal knew that a victory over Marco Silva’s team would close their gap to Liverpool to four points, as Liverpool’s derby against Everton had been postponed because of bad weather. However, Mikel Arteta’s side struggled in the first half and fell behind early due to a Raul Jimenez goal.
Arteta’s halftime talk seemed to motivate his team, and Arsenal pressed for an equalizer in the second half. William Saliba scored in the 52nd minute, putting the ball in from close range. After a VAR check confirmed Saliba was onside, the goal was allowed. The Premier League Match Centre explained the decision on Twitter, saying: “The referee’s call of goal was checked and confirmed by the VAR as Saliba was in an onside position.”
Although that decision went in Arsenal’s favor, they were disappointed later when Bukayo Saka’s potential winning goal was ruled out. Saka had headed in a cross from Gabriel Martinelli, but a VAR check showed that Martinelli was slightly offside in the build-up. Consequently, the goal was overturned.
The Premier League subsequently issued a statement, saying: “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.”
Arsenal had to accept a draw, a blow to their Premier League title hopes. They now trail Liverpool by six points, with Liverpool still having a game in hand that could increase the gap to nine points.