Premier League Panel Confirm VAR Error That Could Decide Arsenal Title Race

The Premier League’s independent Key Match Incidents panel has confirmed a major officiating error during Manchester City’s dramatic 3-3 draw with Everton, a mistake that could ultimately decide whether Arsenal or City lifts the trophy. The panel unanimously ruled that City captain Bernardo Silva should have conceded a penalty in the 85th minute for a sustained hold on Everton midfielder Merlin Rohl, an error that denied the Toffees a chance to go 4-2 up and potentially secure all three points.

The incident occurred while Everton led 3-2. Referee Michael Oliver waved away appeals, and VAR official Paul Howard controversially ruled that the holding took place before the corner was taken, rendering him unable to intervene. However, the five-member panel – consisting of representatives from the Premier League, PGMOL, and former players – rejected that logic, stating in their ruling that “there is a clear, sustained holding offence which continues as the corner is taken and the ball comes into play”.

Everton manager David Moyes was furious at the time, arguing that the decision would change how defending is coached. “If that doesn’t get given as a penalty, then it’s an absolute free-for-all from now on,” Moyes said. Instead of a potential 4-2 lead, City snatched a 96th-minute equaliser through Jeremy Doku, leaving the defending champions just two points behind Arsenal rather than three.

The ramifications are significant. If Arsenal draw one of their final two matches against Burnley or Crystal Palace and City win both of theirs, the title will be decided on goal difference – where City currently hold a narrow advantage. Had the penalty been awarded and Everton won, Arsenal would be three points clear needing only four points from two games.

This admission adds to a growing list of controversial VAR calls impacting the run-in. The panel has separately confirmed three errors that went in Arsenal’s favour earlier this season, including a William Saliba foul on Thierno Barry in a 1-0 win over Everton and a Declan Rice handball in a 2-1 victory against Chelsea. The total number of VAR errors confirmed by the panel this season has now reached 23.

With Arsenal holding a two-point lead and both teams having two games remaining, the confirmed error against City has become a central talking point. As Doku accurately summarised after the Everton escape, “One point is better than nothing” – a point that may prove decisive in the closest title race in years.