CHEATED ARSENAL?… : Premier League forced to release two VAR statements after Fulham vs Arsenal late drama following Arsenal fans protests

The Premier League released two VAR statements following the dramatic 1-1 draw between Arsenal and Fulham at Craven Cottage on Sunday, prompted by protests from Arsenal supporters.

Arsenal approached the match knowing that a victory would narrow the gap to Liverpool to four points, with Liverpool’s derby against Everton postponed due to severe weather conditions. However, Mikel Arteta’s team struggled during the first half and fell behind to an early goal from Raul Jimenez.

Arteta’s halftime team talk seemed to reinvigorate his side as they pushed for an equalizer, which came in the 52nd minute when William Saliba scored from close range. VAR reviewed the goal and upheld the referee’s on-field decision, confirming Saliba was in an onside position. The Premier League’s Match Centre later explained via Twitter: “The referee’s call of goal was checked and confirmed by the VAR as Saliba was in an onside position.”

However, Arsenal’s fortunes shifted late in the game. Bukayo Saka appeared to have secured the win with a header from Gabriel Martinelli’s cross, but VAR intervened, ruling Martinelli marginally offside in the build-up.

In a subsequent statement, the Premier League clarified: “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.”

The result leaves Arsenal trailing Liverpool by six points in the title race, with Liverpool still holding a game in hand that could potentially extend their lead to nine points.