CHEATED ARSENAL? Premier League Breaks Silence After VAR Controversies in Arsenal’s Draw Against Fulham

The Premier League was forced to issue two separate VAR statements following the intense late drama in Arsenal’s 1-1 draw against Fulham at Craven Cottage on Sunday.

This move came in response to mounting protests from Arsenal fans over contentious decisions.

Heading into the match, Arsenal knew that a victory over Marco Silva’s side would close the gap to Liverpool to four points.

Liverpool’s derby against Everton had been postponed due to adverse weather, giving Arsenal a prime opportunity to gain ground in the title race.

However, Mikel Arteta’s men endured a sluggish first half and fell behind early after Raul Jimenez struck to give Fulham the lead.

A rousing halftime pep talk from Arteta seemingly reignited Arsenal’s fight, as they dominated the second half in search of an equalizer.

Their efforts bore fruit in the 52nd minute when William Saliba coolly slotted home from close range. VAR confirmed the goal after verifying that Saliba was onside, with the Premier League later clarifying on social media: “The referee’s call of goal was checked and confirmed by the VAR as Saliba was in an onside position.”

Despite this moment of relief, Arsenal’s frustrations boiled over later in the match. Bukayo Saka appeared to have scored a dramatic winner after heading in Gabriel Martinelli’s cross, only for the goal to be disallowed. VAR intervened once again, ruling that Martinelli was marginally offside in the buildup.

The Premier League released a statement post-match, explaining: “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 left Arsenal fans fuming as their team dropped two crucial points in the title race. The Gunners now trail league leaders Liverpool by six points, with the Reds still holding a game in hand. Arsenal’s quest for Premier League glory faces another hurdle as they rue missed opportunities and controversial calls in a nail-biting encounter.