How Arsenal, Tottenham and Crystal Palace fare in new look Premier League table without VAR

VAR caused a lot of debate during a busy Premier League weekend. Arsenal secured an important victory against Wolves at Molineux on Saturday. However, the match gained attention for reasons beyond the scoreline. The focus shifted to a controversial decision involving VAR and a red card given to Arsenal’s young defender, Myles Lewis-Skelly.

The incident occurred when the 18-year-old defender attempted to stop a Wolves counter-attack. Lewis-Skelly clipped Wolves player Matt Doherty deep in Arsenal’s half of the pitch. Referee Michael Oliver decided to show him a red card for the foul. This decision surprised many, as it wasn’t immediately clear if the challenge warranted such a severe punishment.

The Premier League Match Centre later provided an explanation. On social media platform X, they stated that the referee’s red card decision was checked and confirmed by VAR. According to their explanation, VAR agreed that Lewis-Skelly’s challenge counted as serious foul play. This confirmation added to the controversy, as fans and pundits were divided about whether the red card was deserved.

Arsenal’s manager, Mikel Arteta, did not hide his frustration after the game. Speaking to the media, Arteta expressed anger about the decision. He described his feelings as “fuming” and made it clear he disagreed with the referee and VAR. However, Arteta stopped short of criticizing them directly. Instead, he suggested that the decision was so obviously wrong that he didn’t need to say much more. “It is that clear, and I will leave it to you guys,” Arteta told reporters. “I am absolutely fuming. But I will leave it with you. It is that obvious that I don’t think my words are going to help.”

Fans and analysts also joined the debate. Social media was flooded with opinions about whether the red card was fair. Many Arsenal supporters felt the decision was harsh, while others thought VAR had simply applied the rules as intended. The incident reignited ongoing discussions about VAR’s role in football and whether it improves fairness in the game.

In addition to the controversy, Arsenal’s win against Wolves was crucial for their Premier League campaign. The three points helped them maintain their position near the top of the table. However, the focus on the red card overshadowed much of the team’s performance on the day.

This was not the first time VAR had caused frustration among Premier League teams. Arsenal, along with clubs like Manchester United and Crystal Palace, have often found themselves at the center of contentious VAR decisions. Such incidents continue to fuel debates about whether the technology is being used consistently and fairly.

Wolves, on the other hand, will feel that the red card gave them an opportunity to take control of the match. However, they were unable to capitalize, and Arsenal managed to secure the victory despite being down to ten men. For Wolves, the game was a missed chance to gain points against a strong opponent.

This weekend’s events highlighted how VAR decisions can dominate the narrative of a match. Many fans and players feel that the technology takes away from the spontaneity and enjoyment of football. At the same time, VAR supporters argue that it ensures important decisions are reviewed and corrected when necessary.

For Myles Lewis-Skelly, the red card will likely be a tough moment in his young career. At just 18 years old, he is still developing as a player. Receiving a red card in such a high-profile game will be a learning experience for him. Arsenal’s coaching staff will no doubt support the young defender and help him move forward from this incident.

Meanwhile, the Premier League will continue to face scrutiny over the use of VAR. Fans and pundits will keep asking questions about whether the technology is being applied consistently. The debate about VAR is unlikely to end soon, as incidents like this weekend’s red card keep fueling the conversation.

Off the pitch, this match was one of many where VAR has played a major role. Other Premier League teams like Wolves and Crystal Palace have also had their fair share of VAR-related frustrations this season. The technology has become a key part of modern football, but its implementation remains a topic of intense debate.

In conclusion, Arsenal’s win against Wolves was an important result for the team. However, the game will be remembered more for the VAR controversy surrounding Myles Lewis-Skelly’s red card. The incident has sparked fresh discussions about the role of VAR in football and its impact on the game. Fans, players, and managers will continue to share their opinions as the debate over VAR carries on.