Premier League responds to VAR controversy in Arsenal v Liverpool clash
The Premier League responded directly to two contentious VAR calls for Liverpool in the 2-2 draw against Arsenal on Sunday (27 October).
VAR was at the centre of attention once again at the Emirates as officials Michael Salisbury and Darren Cann conducted a lengthy check for Mikel Merino’s goal for the Gunners.
The Premier League responded to the VAR check on Match Centre via X [27 October], explaining why the on-field decision was upheld.
“The referee’s call of goal was checked and confirmed by the VAR as there were no attackers in an offside position,” the statement read.
Arsenal also had shouts for a penalty after Ibrahima Konate was accused of fouling Gabriel Martinelli with the score 1-1 at the Emirates. However, Match Centre confirmed the Frenchman won the ball in the exchange.
The statement read: “The referee’s call of no penalty for the challenge by Konate on Martinelli was checked and confirmed by VAR – deeming that Konate won the ball.”
Fine margins deny Liverpool victory against Arsenal
In a Premier League title race against Manchester City, one point gained feels more like two points lost and Arne Slot should feel his side has missed a massive opportunity to assert dominance in the league.
Arsenal entered the match without star defender William Saliba and started Bukayo Saka fresh off an injury – the Englishman managed to get the better of Andy Robertson and give the hosts the lead.
Virgil van Dijk levelled the tie for the Reds but he was guilty of keeping Merino onside for the Gunners’ second goal from the set-piece and should be grateful to Mohamed Salah for sparing his blushes with a late equaliser.
The Reds struggled to gain control against a weakened Arsenal side, and the decision to start Curtis Jones, who scored the winner in the 2-1 win against Chelsea last weekend, backfired as the midfield was on the backfoot from the first whistle.
However, considering Liverpool lost the return fixture in a 3-1 loss last season, a draw is a significant improvement and could be vital as Slot navigates what will prove to be a defining period at Anfield with a torrid schedule ahead.
In other Liverpool news, Real Madrid are prepared to offer Trent Alexander-Arnold a better contract than the Reds.
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