Arsenal drops points due to VAR

Reuters/Matthew Childs

Arsenal F.C. drew over the weekend to Brentford due to an error from the video-assisted referee (VAR).

In the 66th minute, Arsenal took the lead after a beautiful play by Bukayo Saka to beat his man and whip in a cross to the new signing Leandro Trossard. The Belgium winger was able to pop it in just four minutes after coming on to score his first goal for the Gooners. Then the controversy was unleashed after Brentford scored from a free-kick scramble where Ivan Toney was able to head in the ball.

VAR checked the goal, and it was given as a good goal. The VAR, Lee Mason, checked on one of Brentford’s players but did not check Christian Norgaard, who headed the ball to Toney on the play. The PGMOL, the officiating office for the league, has apologized for their mistake.

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This is a crucial error in the league and the title race. This was not the only mistake of the weekend as Brighton had a goal taken away due to the referee incorrectly drawing lines. Arsenal also had a goal called back earlier in the year in their loss to United due to a foul that PGMOL later said that it was not the correct decision to overturn the call.

Arsenal now only have a 3 point lead over title challengers Manchester City but they do have a game in hand. Arsenal face Manchester City Wednesday at the Emirates Stadium. This is the first time Arsenal has dropped points in back to back games. Arsenal are on a mini skid and will look to sturdy their title bid, if they lose to City, Arsenal will be in full panic Station.