How VAR has cost Arsenal points in Premier League title race 2023

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Bengaluru, February 15: Arsenal were held to a 1-1 draw by Brentford on Saturday, 11th February which will be a major setback to their title aspirations after their 1-0 loss against Everton in the previous game.

However, there was a major controversy involved in Brentford's equalizer as VAR made a major error of judgment.

Leandro Trossard gave the Gunners the lead before Ivan Toney equalized for the Bees. Lee Mason led the VAR team during the match.

They failed to spot two instances of offside in the build-up to Toney's goal. Ethan Pinnock and Christian Norgaard were both in offside positions and played big roles in leading to the goal.

PGMOL later acknowledged the error. However, Arsenal have every reason to be infuriated with such a costly error made by VAR as it proved to be a costly one for the Gunners as they could have gone eight points clear of Manchester City at the time had they earned all three points against Thomas Frank's side.

This was however not the first instance where Arsenal have been let down by VAR. VAR had a negative impact on Arsenal's charge for the Premier League title earlier as well.

The first instance occurred during their 3-1 Premier League loss to Manchester United at Old Trafford. Gabriel Martinelli had a goal disallowed in the 12th minute for a foul in the build-up with the scoreline being at 0-0.

During Arsenal's 1-1 draw against Southampton, Gabriel Jesus was denied a penalty at Saint Mary's. Duje Caleta-Car wrestled him to the ground. A spot-kick, however, wasn't awarded, robbing the Gunners of the chance to take a 2-0 lead.

In Mikel Arteta's side's goalless draw at the Emirates against Newcastle United last month, Dan Burn pulled Gabriel Magahlaes' shirt inside the Magpies' penalty area. The home side believed they deserved a penalty but the officials didn't oblige.

Another controversial call was made as Jacob Murphy handled Granit Xhaka's attempted cross inside the area. The Gunners were certain once again that they deserved a penalty, which wasn't awarded.

The north London side still remain at the top of the Premier League table with a three-point lead over Manchester City. They will feel hard done by the officials as they could have been in a much comfortable situation had officiating been better.