PREMIER LEAGUE VAR AND REFEREE
FIFA Finally Hands Arsenal Three Goals Against Manchester United After PGMOL VAR Chaos Arsenal Move Nine Points Clear of Manchester City as FIFA Court Issues Shock Statement In an unprecedented
In an unprecedented and historic twist, FIFA has officially awarded Arsenal three goals against Manchester United, overturning the controversial Premier League fixture
following what it described as “gross and repeated failures in VAR application by PGMOL.”
The decision, released earlier today by the FIFA Disciplinary and Ethics Court, has sent shockwaves across world football and reignited long-running debates over refereeing standards in England.
FIFA Statement Rocks the Premier League
In a strongly worded statement, FIFA accused the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) of “systemic negligence, selective interpretation of VAR protocols, and failure to protect the integrity of the game.”
“The evidence presented shows three clear goal-scoring situations unlawfully denied due to improper VAR intervention or total non-intervention,” the statement read.
“Football justice must prevail when domestic structures fail.”
According to FIFA’s findings, Arsenal were denied:
A clear onside goal wrongly ruled out for offside
A handball inside the box ignored by VAR
A second-half goal chalked off despite no conclusive evidence
Arsenal Awarded Goals, League Table Shifts
As a result of the ruling, three goals have been added to Arsenal’s tally, officially converting the match into an Arsenal victory. The outcome dramatically alters the Premier League title race, with Arsenal now sitting nine points clear of Manchester City at the top of the table.
The Emirates Stadium erupted in celebration as fans hailed the ruling as “long-overdue justice.” Social media quickly exploded with hashtags such as #FootballJustice, #VARExposed, and #ArsenalVindicated trending worldwide.
PGMOL Under Severe Pressure
Sources close to English football governance suggest that PGMOL officials are now facing internal investigations, with FIFA reportedly recommending:
Suspension of the VAR team involved
Mandatory retraining of Premier League referees
External oversight of VAR decisions for high-profile matches
The Premier League has yet to release an official response, though insiders describe the mood at league headquarters as “tense and defensive.”
Arteta Reacts: “We Asked for Fairness”
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, speaking after the announcement, kept his response measured but firm:
“We never asked for favors. We asked for fairness, transparency, and respect for the rules. Today, football listened.”
Manchester United, meanwhile, declined to comment directly on the ruling, though club sources privately described the decision as “deeply controversial.”
A Dangerous Precedent or Long-Awaited Justice?
While critics argue the decision sets a dangerous precedent, many fans and pundits believe it sends a clear message: VAR errors at the highest level will no longer be protected.
Whether this imagined ruling reshapes the future of football governance or remains a one-off act of imagined justice, one thing is certain — the VAR debate is far from over.
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
Teams | Live PL table | Latest: Arsenal | Sunderland
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Live commentary by Callum Bishop and Oliver Yewad.
ARSENAL'
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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