Arsenal recorded a 3-0 win over Bournemouth on Saturday and the game had its fair share of questionable VAR calls.

It all started with the decision to award Kai Havertz a penalty on the stroke of half-time, which Bukayo Saka duly dispatched and ensured Mikel Arteta’s side were up and running.

Arsenal dominated the opening 45 minutes and had something to show for it, but many felt they were fortunate to win the spot-kick in the first place.

That penalty decision was debatable and, unfortunately, in today’s game, you see many of those given, even if it does, in this case, annoy the Bournemouth supporters.

But in the second half, VAR decided to take centre stage again after it ruled out Antoine Semenyo’s goal after Leandro Trossard doubled his side’s lead. 

David Raya made a hash of clearing the ball and thought he had allowed the away team back into the match.

But after a lengthy check, it was decided by the officials that Dominic Solanke fouled Raya and it was enough to rule the goal out.

Arsenal then went on to add a third goal through Man of the Match Declan Rice, as VAR made the headlines for the wrong reasons again. 

Dermot Gallagher shared his thoughts on all the drama and backed the decision that was made, as he told Premier League Productions (04/05/24 at 2:45 pm)

The former Premier League referee explained how Solanke’s actions meant that Arsenal’s goalkeeper couldn’t punch the ball.

Bournemouth goal ruled out by VAR against Arsenal

“There’s a great angle from behind the goal,” said Gallagher about the decision to disallow Bournemouth’s goal.

“You see that Solanke, not only gives him a little nudge, but he puts his arm under Raya’s arm. I think that’s enough to pull him back and knock him off balance. 

“He knocks him off balance with the arm he is going to punch with. On-field referees call. He gave it on the field. VAR looks at that, it’s never going to be overturned. I wouldn’t even say it’s an error.”

Arsenal sit top of the Premier League table

Mikel Arteta’s side have a game in hand, but they are deservedly sitting top of the Premier League table.

Manchester City are one point behind, with a worse goal difference and they play before their title rivals at the weekend.

Pep Guardiola’s side face Fulham during the lunchtime kick-off on Saturday, with Arsenal travelling to Old Trafford to take on Manchester United.

Arsenal have no option but to win that game because it then takes the title race to the final day of the campaign.

Not only that, Man City’s game in hand is against a little-known club named Tottenham. This ending could be Netflix-worthy.

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