VAR Decisions Under the Spotlight: Arsenal's Frustration at Everton

Video Assistant Referee (VAR) continues to spark debates in the Premier League, with match-defining decisions often leaving fans and pundits divided. This week, the focus is on the contentious penalty awarded to Everton against Arsenal, which ultimately cost the Gunners two crucial points in the title race.

Everton 1-1 Arsenal: Penalty Drama Unpacked

Incident: In the 48th minute, Everton’s Jack Harrison went down under pressure from Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly. Referee Darren England pointed to the spot, and despite a VAR review by Stuart Attwell, the decision stood. Iliman Ndiaye converted the penalty, sealing a 1-1 draw.

VAR Analysis:

• The contact between Lewis-Skelly and Harrison occurred at the edge of the box, with the foul officially cited as Lewis-Skelly landing on Harrison’s leg.
• Critics argue the penalty was soft, but VAR protocol requires a "clear and obvious" error to overturn on-field decisions. The Premier League’s Key Match Incidents Panel may later deem it incorrect—but not intervention-worthy.

Why wasn’t it overturned?

• VAR strictly adheres to the referee’s on-field call unless evidence overwhelmingly contradicts it. Here, the subjective nature of the foul meant no clear reversal.

Other Notable Incidents

• Possible Red Card: Everton’s Jake O’Brien escaped a red card after a rough challenge on Ben White, deemed a yellow by officials.
• Goalkeeper Exemption: Ipswich’s Alex Palmer avoided a red card despite handling a back pass to prevent a goal—a unique loophole in the laws.

Fulham vs Liverpool: Early Penalty Appeal Ignored

Incident: Fulham’s Andreas Pereira collided with Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhín Kelleher just four minutes into the match. No penalty was awarded, sparking debate over goalkeeper protections in challenges.

VAR Verdict:

• Goalkeepers often receive leniency for airborne collisions, provided they attempt to play the ball. Kelleher’s challenge was deemed non-reckless.

Wolverhampton’s Controversial Winner

Offside Debate: Wolves’ Jørgen Strand Larsen scored the winner against Ipswich, but questions arose over whether Leif Davis’ raised foot should have rendered him offside. Semi-automated offside technology (SAOT), launching soon, aims to eliminate such ambiguities.

Key Takeaways:

1. VAR’s High Threshold: Soft penalties like Everton’s will rarely be overturned unless blatantly incorrect.
2. Goalkeepers’ Privilege: Referees apply looser standards to keepers in challenges, citing their "natural" playstyle.
3. SAOT’s Imminent Role: The Premier League’s shift to semi-automated offsides promises faster, clearer decisions.

The debate rages on—should VAR intervene more aggressively, or does its current balance protect the flow of the game?