VAR mistake confirmed that handed Man City crucial point against Arsenal

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Arsenal’s title ambitions have suffered another blow after the Premier League Key Match Incidents Panel confirmed officials made a crucial error that helped Manchester City secure a valuable point against Everton.

The Gunners will be frustrated to learn that City should have been denied their dramatic 3-3 comeback draw at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, which keeps Pep Guardiola’s side within touching distance in the title race.

Clear penalty not given

The panel unanimously agreed that Everton should have been awarded a penalty when Bernardo Silva brought down Merlin Rohl in the box during a corner, with the score at 3-2 to the Toffees. According to the BBC, all five panel members confirmed there was “a clear, sustained holding offence which continues as the corner is taken and the ball comes into play.”

David Moyes was incensed by the decision at the time, telling reporters: “If that doesn’t get given as a penalty, then it’s an absolute free-for-all from now on.”

The error represents one of 23 confirmed referee mistakes this season, highlighting the ongoing issues with officiating standards that have repeatedly impacted the title race.

Title implications

The ramifications for Arsenal are significant. Had Everton been awarded the penalty and potentially secured victory, the Gunners would have had more breathing room in their remaining fixtures. Instead, Arsenal cannot afford to drop any points in their final two games to maintain their advantage.

Mikel Arteta has become increasingly vocal about refereeing decisions in recent weeks, particularly highlighting incidents involving his side. The Arsenal manager recently criticized officials for failing to award red cards in crucial moments, including Viktor Gyokeres’ challenge on Nick Pope and Abdukodir Khusanov’s foul on Kai Havertz during the defeat at City.

“It’s a clear red card,” Arteta said about the Gyokeres incident. “I’ve watched it 10 times. If you have ever played football, it is a red card. These are the margins as well, and hopefully that’s going to change.”

The Arsenal boss emphasized the impact of such decisions on title races, adding: “In crucial moments when everything is at stake, we need everything to go our way, and it hasn’t.”

With the panel’s confirmation adding weight to Arsenal supporters’ frustrations, the north London side must now navigate their remaining fixtures knowing that another officiating error has potentially cost them valuable ground in what promises to be a thrilling title race conclusion.