PREMIER LEAGUE VAR AND REFEREE
Arsenal learn what VAR said on Patrick Dorgu goal for Man Utd after ‘handball’ debate
Patrick Dorgu scored a stunning goal for Manchester United against Arsenal, and after a check from VAR, the goal was given despite suggestions there might have been a handball
Patrick Dorgu put Manchester United ahead against Arsenal
It has been confirmed why Patrick Dorgu’s goal for Manchester United against Arsenal was not disallowed for a handball. The 21-year-old fired an effort in off the crossbar to put United ahead in a thriller at the Emirates Stadium.
Former Premier League referee Mike Dean relayed the same stance as VAR, which stated any offence committed in “inconclusive”. Dean said on Sky Sports: “We’ve just heard from the VAR, Paul Tierney, and it’s a fair comment, it’s inconclusive, you can’t tell.
“That’s what VAR just said, it looks like it’s hit his hip. On field decision is correct, goal is given.”
Dorgu combined well with Bruno Fernandes inside Arsenal’s half before smashing the ball towards the goal. Goalkeeper David Raya was helpless as the effort hit the crossbar before bouncing into the roof of the net.
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Arsenal had gone ahead against United through a Lisandro Martinez own goal. However, Martin Zubimendi’s error allowed Bryan Mbeumo to level the scoring inside the first half.
After Dorgu put Michael Carrick’s side ahead, Mikel Merino came off the bench to get the Gunners back into the game. However, Matheus Cunha’s stunning winner dealt Arsenal a huge title blow.
The feeling among the Sky Sports studio at half time was that the Gunners seemed to struggle against United. “It looked like the goal kind of set Arsenal back a little bit,” Roy Keane said. “They definitely look tentative, they look nervous.
Arsenal squandered a lead against Manchester United and went 2-1 down
“It’s a bit like the Liverpool game here a few weeks ago. The fans seem nervous, as if they’re afraid to embrace the challenge. They’re more concentrating on not losing the game.”
He added: “A bit of calmness, a bit of composure. And United obviously have had a lot of encouragement.
“You can see it here again, Arsenal, just even trying to keep it at the back. They looked a bit nervous at the back. Lovely, lovely finish and United deserved that. There’s definitely tension in the air and they’re not dealing with it.”
Speaking about his old club at the break, former Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira said: “It feels tense. There’s not enough risk. I want Arsenal to be braver.”
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PREMIER LEAGUE VAR AND REFEREE
Arne Slot points finger at referee after question on Dominik Szoboszlai red card
Liverpool’s home game with Manchester City descended into chaos with Dominik Szboszlai sent off in stoppage time and Arne Slot has now shared his verdict on the incident
20:51, 08 Fene Slot has given his verdict on Dominik Szoboszlai’s red card(Image: Getty Images)
Liverpool boss Arne Slot refused to even talk about Dominik Szoboszlai’s crazy red card against Manchester City – but he did fume over the officials’ failure to spot an infringement on Mohamed Salah by Marc Guehi.
Szoboslai saw red in stoppage time after the Hungarian midfielder pulled Erling Haaland’s shirt as the pair chased after a stray ball as it trickled towards an unguarded net. It eventually dribbled over the line from Rayan Cherki’s long-range shot with Alisson upfield.
But VAR intervened, with the goal being chalked off, while Szoboszlai was given his marching orders. Asked for his take, Slot chose not to discuss the incident and claimed that the incident between Guehi and Salah was more of a talking point.
He said: “That is not the incident we should talk about. Maybe he should have left it for a goal as it is, but if that is the rule that is what we have to accept.
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READ MORE: Erling Haaland strikes at the death as Man City stun Liverpool late on – 5 talking pointsREAD MORE: Erling Haaland gives instant verdict on Dominik Szoboszlai red card vs Man City
“If there is any incident we should talk about, it’s when Mo Salah is one on one with the goalkeeper. Anyone who has been to this stadium in the last seven or eight years, that is a goal for Salah. Once again, the referee decides not in our favour. They have to do their job.”
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PREMIER LEAGUE VAR AND REFEREE
GOAL! Arsenal 2-0 Sunderland (Gyokeres, 66) TWO GOALS IN TWO PREMIER LEAGUE GAMES FOR THE FIRST TIME FOR GYOKERES!
GOAL! Arsenal 2-0 Sunderland (Gyokeres, 66)
TWO GOALS IN TWO PREMIER LEAGUE GAMES FOR THE FIRST TIME FOR GYOKERES!
It’s Sunderland’s own doing. They are slow and get crowded out on the left hand side. The attempted clearance falls straight to a red shirt and two passes later, the ball is at Gyokeres’ feet.
He’s falling over as he strikes it, but the power beats Roefs and doubles Arsenal’s lead.
GOAL! Arsenal 2-0 Sunderland (Gyokeres, 66)
TWO GOALS IN TWO PREMIER LEAGUE GAMES FOR THE FIRST TIME FOR GYOKERES!
It’s Sunderland’s own doing. They are slow and get crowded out on the left hand side. The attempted clearance falls straight to a red shirt and two passes later, the ball is at Gyokeres’ feet.
He’s falling over as he strikes it, but the power beats Roefs and doubles Arsenal’s leArsenal vs Sunderland LIVE! Premier League match updates, news, score and highlights
Saturday 7 February 2026 15:44, UK
Second Half: Arsenal 2-0 Sunderland
Gyokeres finish gives hosts breathing space View post
Super Zubimendi strike gave Gunners lead View post
Havertz blocked Brobbey strike after error from Raya View post
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Arsenal vs. Sunderland | Premier League 2026 | LIVE STREAM
Here’s a predicted lineup preview and head-to-head context for Arsenal vs Sunderland (Premier League, February 7, 2026), based on the latest team news and expert projections:
Arsenal vs. Sunderland: Preview, Predictions and Lineups
Arsenal XI vs Sunderland: Predicted lineup and confirmed team news
🔴 Arsenal – Predicted XI (likely 4-3-3 or variation)
Formation: 4-3-3 (attack-minded but balanced)
GK: David Raya – in line with most predictions as the starter. �
Opta Analyst
RB: Ben White / Jurrien Timber – Timber available and likely involved. �
The Standard
CBs: William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhães – key defensive pairing. �
Opta Analyst
LB: Riccardo Calafiori – expected on the left if fit. �
Opta Analyst
Midfield: Declan Rice, Martín Zubimendi, (Eze / Kai Havertz) – core engine-room. �
Opta Analyst
Attack: Noni Madueke, Viktor Gyökeres / Gabriel Jesus, Leandro Trossard – wide support and central striker. �
Opta Analyst +1
⚠️ Injury/doubt notes:
• Bukayo Saka is out or a major doubt (hip). �
• Martin Ødegaard also doubtful. �
• Mikel Merino is ruled out long-term. �
The Sun
The Standard
Reuters
This means Arsenal might rotate slightly from their ideal XI and lean on depth in midfield/wing positions. �
Arsenal News
⚫ Sunderland – Predicted XI (likely 4-2-3-1 / 4-4-2)
Formation: Common projection ~4-2-3-1
GK: Robin Roefs – a consistent selection in predictions. �
Roker Report
Defenders: Nordi Mukiele (RB), Dan Ballard, Omar Alderete, Reinildo Mandava (LB). �
Roker Report
Midfield base: Lutsharel Geertruida, Noah Sadiki (wing/back roles), Trai Hume, Chemsdine Talbi – energetic across midfield/wing. �
Roker Report
Attacking midfield / support: Enzo Le Fée – creative hub behind striker. �
Roker Report
Striker: Brian Brobbey – focal point up top. �
Roker Report
⚠️ Absences:
• Granit Xhaka is unavailable (ankle), a big miss in midfield. �
Reuters
Sunderland’s shape may vary (some outlets predict five at the back), but the core XI revolves around Brobbey and ball-winners behind him. �
Forebet Predictions
📊 Arsenal vs Sunderland – Head-to-Head Context
Historically, Sunderland have not beaten Arsenal in 16 Premier League away games (D5 L11). �
Opta Analyst
Arsenal are unbeaten in 18 top-flight home games against Sunderland (W13 D5). �
Opta Analyst
The reverse fixture this season finished 2-2, showing Sunderland can trouble Arsenal. �
Opta Analyst
⚽ Quick Summary – Predicted Lineups
Arsenal (4-3-3):
Raya; White/Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Rice, Zubimendi, Eze/Havertz; Madueke, Gyökeres/Jesus, Trossard. �
Opta Analyst
Sunderland (4-2-3-1):
Roefs; Mukiele, Ballard, Alderete, Reinildo; Geertruida, Sadiki; Hume, Le Fée, Talbi; Brobbey. �
Roker Report
If you want bench predictions and tactical setup breakdowns for each side (e.g., subs + formation tweaks), let me know!
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