VAR Blunder Hands Arsenal Massive Premier League Victory

The Premier League's Key Match Incidents Panel determined that Everton were unjustly refused a penalty during their 1–0 defeat against Arsenal.

The Gunners' victory at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on December 20 was marred by controversy. William Saliba managed to avoid punishment from the referee despite making contact with Thierno Barry's leg inside the box shortly before the 60-minute mark.

Match referee Sam Barrott and VAR official Michael Salisbury both failed to spot the infringement, leaving the home supporters and Toffees boss David Moyes frustrated. Following the incident, the Premier League Match Centre stated there was "insufficient" contact to justify awarding a penalty.

However, within two weeks, the Premier League's Key Match Incidents Panel decided by a 3–2 margin that Barrott's choice not to give a penalty was wrong. The panel also ruled 3–2 that VAR official Salisbury should have directed the referee to check the incident on the pitchside monitor.

Panel members supporting the penalty argued that "Saliba carelessly kicks Barry with no contact on the ball" while opponents maintained "there was not enough impact and a delayed reaction."

VAR Mistake Benefits Arsenal in Premier League Title Contest

If the penalty call had favored Everton, the home team might have secured a point from the match. Additionally, Arsenal would have returned to London with only one point, potentially affecting the Premier League table.

Had Barrott awarded the penalty and Everton scored from the spot, Mikel Arteta's team would be tied with Manchester City at the top. However, Arsenal, who correctly received a first-half penalty converted by Viktor Gyökeres, secured the 1–0 win.

The victory allowed the league leaders to spend Christmas Day at the top of England's premier division. However, they have previously topped the table on Christmas four times without claiming the Premier League crown.

Moving to New Year's Eve, the north London club holds a five-point advantage over the Citizens, who have played one fewer game. If Pep Guardiola's squad beats Sunderland on January 1st, the margin will shrink to merely two points.

With the Premier League title battle intensifying, Arsenal's disputed victory against Everton may become a significant discussion point if their advantage over Manchester City remains at the two points they potentially shouldn't have earned at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.