Arsenal is heading into the international break as the Premier League leaders, thanks to a scrappy 1-0 win over Hull City, but let’s be real, Martin Odegaard’s 72nd-minute winner was the only thing that stopped this game from being a full-blown VAR circus. This wasn’t pretty, but it was effective, securing their 34th 1-0 victory under Mikel Arteta. That’s a huge stat! No other team has stacked up more 1-0 wins since Arteta took charge back in 2019. It also means they’ve matched their best start under him, hitting 27 points after 10 games, just like the 2022-23 season. They’ve also crushed it at home, winning their past 10 games in all competitions and keeping eight clean sheets in that insane run.
VAR Almost Stole the Show, Again
Here’s the kicker, though. Before Odegaard bailed them out, everyone at the Emirates, and probably watching on their couches, was ready for another VAR meltdown. In the first half, Kai Havertz got his shirt tugged by Nobel Mendy, and referee Farai Hallam was sent to the pitchside monitor. You know the drill, right? Everyone’s thinking penalty. Even VAR Michael Oliver seemed to acknowledge the shirt pull, and the cheers were already starting. But then, Hallam flipped the script, ruling an offside against Havertz. Play restarted with a free-kick to Hull. Imagine if Arsenal hadn’t scored that winner. The conversation wouldn’t be about Odegaard or the league lead, it would be *all* about that VAR call. Liverpool fans probably had a chuckle though, after *their* VAR penalty shout for a shirt pull against Arsenal’s Jurrien Timber on Alexander Isak went nowhere last weekend.
A Weekend of VAR Headaches Across the League
This Arsenal incident wasn’t even unique this weekend. The video assistant referee is becoming the main character in way too many Premier League storylines. On Friday, Coventry City got stiffed on what looked like a clear penalty against Everton when James Tarkowski pulled Caleb Yirenkyi’s hair. Then, Everton’s second goal by Thierno Barry appeared to come off his hand. The chaos kept rolling into Saturday’s early kick-off between Leeds and Tottenham. Leeds wanted a handball penalty against Mateus Fernandes, though replays showed it hit his shoulder. Then came the real head-scratcher: a challenge by Jayden Bogle on Mathys Tel. The VAR, Tony Harrington, spent four minutes checking it out and decided there wasn’t enough force for a red card. Tel was injured and had to leave, and referee John Brooks didn’t even flash a yellow. Seriously?
Look, if an offside player is fouled *before* they play the ball or challenge an opponent, the foul should come before the offside call. But the way these decisions are playing out, it feels like the officials are just making it up as they go. For now, Arsenal can breathe easy going into the international break. They’re top of the league, and hopefully, this break gives everyone a chance to reset, especially those VAR officials. When the Gunners return, the focus has to be on keeping that momentum and avoiding any more VAR drama that could threaten their lead.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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