VAR Review: Key Decisions in Premier League Matches

Video Assistant Referee (VAR) continues to be a hot topic in the Premier League, with several controversial decisions sparking debates among fans and pundits alike. This week, we delve into two major incidents: Eberechi Eze's disallowed goal for Crystal Palace at Chelsea and Marcos Senesi's potential red card against Liverpool.

Eberechi Eze's Disallowed Goal

In the 13th minute of the Chelsea vs. Crystal Palace match, Eberechi Eze scored a stunning free-kick that was later disallowed by VAR. The decision was based on an infringement in the wall, where Palace defender Marc Guéhi was found to be within one meter of the wall, violating the rules.

• VAR Decision: Goal disallowed.
• Review: The law states that attackers must be at least one meter away from a defensive wall of three or more players. This rule, introduced in 2019, has rarely been enforced, making this decision particularly controversial.

Marcos Senesi's Escaped Red Card

During the Liverpool vs. Bournemouth match, Marcos Senesi committed a handball that prevented a clear goal-scoring opportunity for Liverpool. Despite the clear infringement, Senesi escaped a red card.

• VAR Decision: No red card.
• Review: The VAR focused on the initial accidental handball but overlooked the deliberate second handball, which should have resulted in a red card for denying an obvious goal-scoring opportunity (DOGSO).

Other Notable VAR Decisions

• Manchester United vs. Arsenal: A late penalty claim by Matheus Cunha was denied after a challenge by William Saliba.
• Brighton vs. Fulham: Josh King's penalty appeal was turned down despite contact from Yasin Ayari.
• Nottingham Forest vs. Brentford: Two handball incidents were reviewed, with only one resulting in a penalty.

Conclusion

VAR decisions continue to shape the outcomes of Premier League matches, often leaving fans and players frustrated. While the technology aims to ensure fairness, its application remains inconsistent, leading to ongoing debates about its effectiveness.