Premier League forced to release two VAR statements after Fulham vs Arsenal late drama following Arsenal fans protests.
The Premier League has issued two VAR statements in the wake of Arsenal’s 1-1 draw with Fulham at Craven Cottage on Sunday afternoon.
Arsenal knew before kick-off that the gap to Liverpool would be cut to four points with a victory over Marco Silva’s side after the Reds’ derby against Everton was postponed due to adverse weather. However, Mikel Arteta’s side was not on it in the first half and fell behind thanks to Raul Jimenez’s early goal.
Whatever Arteta said at the interval worked though as the visitors pushed hard for an equaliser and got on 52 minutes as William Saliba steered the ball in from close range. VAR checked the on-field awarding of the goal before eventually allowing it to stand.
Explaining the decision, the Premier League’s Match Centre tweeted: “The referee’s call of goal was checked and confirmed by the VAR as Saliba was in an onside position.” While that decision went in the Gunner’s favour, they would fall victim to a decision going against them late on.
Bukayo Saka thought he had won it when he headed Gabriel Martinelli’s cross into the back of the net. However, a VAR check found that Martinelli had strayed just into an offside position in the build-up and the goal was ruled out.
Releasing a further statement, the Premier League explained: “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 was disallowed.”
Arsenal eventually had to settle for a point which is not ideal in their race for the Premier League title. They now sit six points behind Liverpool but the Reds’ game in hand could extend that advantage back to nine points.
