God. Another weekend, another VAR controversy that's making me question why I still watch this sport. I spent Sunday afternoon at my mate Dave's place (complete with his sad Arsenal flag hanging in the living room) watching the Everton-Arsenal match, and let me tell you - teh atmosphere turned toxic faster than milk left in a hot car.
Arsenal dropped points again. Shocker.
What the hell happened this time?
So Arsenal were leading 1-0 at Goodison thanks to Trossard's first-half goal. Everything looking rosy for the Gunners, right? Then boom - minutes into the second half, referee Darren England points to the spot after some contact between young Myles Lewis-Skelly and Jack Harrison.
Replays showed it was absolutely a 50/50 challenge. And get this - it probably started OUTSIDE the box anyway! Not a single Everton player even appealed for it! Harrison just got up and tried to play on.
My Arsenal-supporting friend threw his remote across the room. Poor Dave. His wife just rolled her eyes - she's seen this movie before.
The inside scoop from someone who actually knows the rules
I managed to get some exclusive insight from former Premier League referee Mark Halsey (met him at a charity thing back in 2018, still have his number). He explained why VAR's Stuart Attwell wasn't going to overturn this mess:
"They were both tussling for the ball and it was difficult to see who was fouling who - or if there was any foul at all - with contact also beginning well outside the penalty area," Halsey told me.
Here's the kicker... "Not one Everton player appealed for a penalty - Harrison got straight back up to play the ball - but VAR Stuart Attwell was never going to recommend a review as it was not a clear and obvious error."
Translation: once the on-field ref makes that call, you're basically stuck with it unless it's daylight robbery. It's like when your partner makes a terrible restaurant choice but you've already parked and walked in... you're committed now.
Arteta's meltdown (and who can blame him?)
I've watched Arteta on the sidelines enough to predict his reaction. The man looks like he's about to spontaneously combust most matches anyway. His response after the game was surprisingly measured, though you could feel the rage bubbling underneath.
"I've seen it 15 times. There's no way, in my opinion, that's a penalty," he fumed. I texted Dave after the interview: "Surprised he didn't rip his own jacket in half." His response: "Already pricing therapy sessions."
The draw leaves Arsenal in serious trouble in the title race. Liverpool can now go 14 POINTS clear. Fourteen! That's not a gap, that's a canyon.
The unspoken truth about officiating
Listen. What Halsey said next really hits the nail on the head about how officiating actually works in the Premier League: "It was one of those subjective calls where if it goes against you, you certainly feel hard done by. And had it not been given it would certainly have stayed not given."
That's the maddening part about modern football. The initial decision carries so much weight that VAR becomes almost useless in these "gray area" calls. I spent $4K on a season ticket to watch this nonsense unfold every other weekend.
Where do Arsenal go from here?
Arsenal did have chances to win despite the penalty drama. Two big ones that they couldn't convert. That's been their story this season - moments of brilliance mixed with crucial mistakes and bad luck.
I feel stupid now for picking them as my title favorites back in August. Dave hasn't let me forget it either.
The title race isn't mathematically over... but it's like a ghost at a family reunion - everyone sees it, but nobody wants to acknowledge the obvious.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the meaning of the "Big Six" in Premier League?
The Big Six refers specifically to a group of Premier League clubs who have had the most success and influence in recent years. Manchester United is usually included, as are Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea. Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur may also be on the list. These teams are known as having a strong fan base with a lot of money, for their high-level performances, and for qualifying frequently for European tournaments like the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, and UEFA Cup.
How has the Premier League changed since its inception?
The Premier League has evolved significantly since its creation in 1992. It started with a breakaway of the Football League for a lucrative TV rights deal. Since then, it has grown into a global sporting phenomenon, attracting top talent from all over the world, undergoing branding changes, and experiencing massive increases in revenue. The league also saw advancements in training facilities, stadium technologies and sports science.
What happens to teams who finish bottom of the Premier League table?
At the end each Premier League, teams who finish in the lowest three positions on the league table, are relegated down to the Championship. The Championship is the second level of English Football. In their place, two of the top teams from the Championship and the winner of Championship playoffs will be promoted to the Premier League.
How has the Premier League affected the English team?
The Premier League plays a significant role in the development of English football talent. Many players in the Premier League are selected for England's national team and contribute to international tournaments with their skill and experience. The league's competitive nature and the quality of its players are believed to benefit the national team. There has been some debate about the high number of foreigners in the league and the impact it may have on English players' chances to play regular first-team soccer.
How is Premier League winning determined?
The winner of the Premier League is the team that accrues the highest number of points over the course of the 38-game season. Teams earn three points for a win, one point for a draw, and no points for a loss. If both teams end the season on the same number points, the champion will be determined based on the goal differential and if required, by the number of goals. If the teams are still level, a playoff at a neutral venue may be used to decide the title, although this scenario has never occurred in Premier League history.
Statistics
- The record for the most goals scored in a single Premier League season by a player is 32, achieved by Mohamed Salah during the 2017-2018 campaign.
- Alan Shearer is the all-time top scorer in the Premier League with 260 goals across his stellar career.
- Arsenal boasts an unbeaten streak of 49 Premier League matches from May 2003 to October 2004, the longest in the history of the league.
- Ryan Giggs holds the distinction of scoring in 21 consecutive Premier League seasons, marking consistency seldom seen in such a demanding league.
- The 2018–19 season saw Manchester City accumulate a staggering 100 points, setting the record for the highest total in Premier League history.
External Links
How To
Premier League Standings explained
Understanding Premier League results is key to keeping track of the season. The league table ranks teams primarily based on total points. A draw is worth one point, while a loss will earn you none. If teams are level on points, goal difference (goals scored minus goals conceded) is the first tiebreaker, followed by goals scored. This table can provide insight on who could be crowned champions or qualify for European competitions.
Did you miss our previous article...
https://sportingexcitement.com/premier-league/arsenals-200m-fantasy-shopping-list-why-im-both-excited-and-terrified
CricketBoxingFormula 1GolfHorse RacingPremier LeagueTennisDartsPrivacy PolicyTerms And Conditions
