Arsenal handed Man City verdict after two controversial VAR decisions

Refereeing and VAR decisions in the Premier League at the weekend could have a major impact on the title race for Arsenal, according to football.london readers.

The Gunners fell to a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Bournemouth on Saturday evening, losing ground on Liverpool and Manchester City in the title race in the process. The game also saw William Saliba sent off following a VAR check for denying a goal scoring opportunity with a foul on Cherries striker Evanilson.

Sky Sports reported on Tuesday that Arsenal would not be appealing Saliba's red card and the defender will now serve a suspension.

Mikel Arteta's side are four points behind Liverpool who are top of the table and three adrift of second-placed City, with both of Arsenal's title rivals claiming victories at the weekend.

Liverpool beat Chelsea 2-1 on Sunday, while a couple of hours earlier, City won by the same scoreline against Wolves.

It was the clash at Molineux that caused controversy in the Premier League the weekend, in particular the winning goal from John Stones.

The header from the England international was initially ruled out for offside, with Bernardo Silva judged to have been in an offside position while standing in front of Wolves goalkeeper Jose Sa while the corner was taken.

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However, following a VAR check, the goal was given, which secured the win and the three points for City.

football.london readers were asked if they believe the winning goal from Stones was allowed to stand, and 57 per cent believe the wrong decision was made. In contrast, 41% of voters believe that it was the correct decision to allow the goal to be given.

In a separate vote, football.london readers were also asked if they believe City receive more favourable decisions with VAR compared to Arsenal. An overwhelming majority of 85% believe this to be the case for Pep Guardiola's side, compared to the 9% of voters who don't.

Another vote also asked football.london readers if they believe the two points gained by City could have a major effect on the title race with Arsenal. Once again, an overwhelming majority (70%) of voters believe that the win against Wolves will have an impact on the race for the title, compared to 29% who believe the opposite.

A separate vote also asked football.london readers if the correct decision was made by referee Rob Jones to give Saliba a red card against Bournemouth. With 73% of the vote, the majority believe that the wrong decision was made to give the Arsenal defender his marching orders in the first half at the Vitality Stadium.

Arsenal return to Premier League action this weekend when they host Liverpool at the Emirates, while City will take on Southampton at the Etihad Stadium.

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