After each Premier League match, the KMI convenes to evaluate refereeing performance and identify any errors. This panel comprises five members: three former players and coaches, one representative from the Premier League organizing committee, and one from the Referee Association.
According to recently published results, 18 VAR errors have occurred this season, matching the entire 2024-2025 season but fewer than the 35 in 2022-2023 and 31 in 2023-2024. Of these, Arsenal benefited on three occasions.
The first instance was during their 1-0 victory over Everton on 20/12/2025. During a challenge in Arsenal's penalty area, defender William Saliba kicked Thierno Barry's leg, but VAR did not intervene. Three KMI members unanimously voted that VAR made an error, denying Everton a penalty opportunity at Goodison Park.
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Saliba's tackle on an Everton player during the match at Goodison Park. *Screenshot*
The second occasion was their 2-1 win against Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium on 1/3. In this match, the video assistant referee system did not intervene when midfielder Declan Rice handled the ball in the penalty area while jumping for a header. The KMI reached full consensus on this incident, with a 5-0 vote.
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Rice handled the ball in Arsenal's 2-1 Premier League win over Chelsea on 1/3. *Photo: Sky Sports*
The most recent incident occurred during their 1-0 victory at Brighton on 4/3. Gabriel Martinelli appeared to pull Mats Wieffer in the penalty area, but both the referee and VAR overlooked it. The KMI voted 4-1 in favor of the decision that it should have been a penalty for the home team.
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Martinelli appeared to pull Mats Wieffer during Arsenal's match against Brighton at the Amex Stadium on 1/3/2026. *Screenshot*
Avoiding three penalties helped Arsenal prevent three draws and a potential loss of 6 points. These benefits give the "Gunners" a significant advantage in the Premier League title race. Coach Mikel Arteta's side currently leads the league with 70 points from 31 matches, 9 points ahead of second-placed Man City, who have played 30 matches.
Consequently, the title race is no longer in Manchester City's hands. Even if they win their game in hand and the direct encounter on 19/4, Pep Guardiola's side may not catch Arsenal.
In addition to the Premier League, Arsenal is also pursuing three other titles. They will play the League Cup final against Man City on 22/3, the FA Cup quarter-final against Southampton on 4/4, and two Champions League quarter-final matches against Sporting on 8/4 and 14/4.
By Thanh Quy (source: Daily Mail)
