There were two Premier London Derbies (PLDs) matches last weekend in which Video Assistant Referee (VAR) decisions, or lack of, played a controversial part.
Arsenal (0) 1 v 1 (0) Brentford
66 Trossard, assist Saka 74 Toney, assist Norgaard
Yellows: Nil Norgaard, Schade Referee Paul Bankes
Played Saturday 11 February 2023 at The Emirates Stadium, attendance 60,254.
Although this will go down as 2 points lost to the Premier League (PL) leaders Arsenal, because of a poor VAR decision Brentford’s strong all-round performance meant they were well worth a point. It was The Bees 10th PL match without defeat – their best unbeaten run to date. Controversy surrounded their equalizer from a free kick. Arsenal played Christian Norgaard off-side before he headed the ball across goal for the dominant Ivan Toney to score. Apparently the VAR official did not draw the usual red and green lines across the front players in the video replay which would have shown the off-side position. This was described as ‘a human error’ reminding us it is still the human VAR official who makes the analysis.
West Ham United (1) 1 v 1 (1) Chelsea
28 Emerson Palmieri, assist Bowen 16 Joao Felix, assist Fernandes
Yellows: Coufal Badashile Referee Clive Pawson
Played Saturday 11 February 2023 at The London Stadium, attendance : 24,244.
The VAR drama came late in this PLDs match. In the first quarter it looked like some of Chelsea’s spending was playing off as they hit the woodwork twice and then scored through loanee Joao Felix. It was a former Blues’ player, Emerson Palmieri, who put West Ham United back in the game against the run of play. The Hammers’ second half performance was much improved, but a late Chelsea surge produced the controversy and drama. The Hammers’ Tomas Soucek, showing better form, dived to his left to block Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher’s shot and appeared to parry the ball away with his left arm as it braced his fall. The on-field Referee did not stop play and VAR did not ask for a review perhaps surprisingly.
This weekend there are two more PLDs matches. On Saturday 18 February 2023 it is Brentford v Crystal Palace. This was goal-less last season but The Bees may well go one better this time. On Sunday 19 February 2023 it is Tottenham Hotspur v West Ham United. There have been 3 home wins, 2 draws and 1 away win in the last 6 seasons. Spurs are however hit by injuries, low confidence and take-over rumours, while The Hammers are looking more convincing. An early away goal and who knows what the final score may be!
Until next time, “Keep Safe”, and enjoy your football, Andrew at PLDs.