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Premier League released two VAR statements during Arsenal draw to Fulham

Arsenal missed the opportunity to close the gap on Liverpool to four points after [being held to a 1-1 draw at Fulham](https://www.liverpool.com/liverpool-fc-news/features/liverpool-premier-league-arsenal-garyneville-30540714) on Sunday. The Gunners had hoped to capitalize on the [Reds' postponed match against Everton](https://www.liverpool.com/liverpool-fc-news/features/breaking-everton-liverpool-postponed-stormdarragh-30534671) due to Storm Darragh.

However, an early goal from Raul Jimenez put Mikel Arteta's side on the back foot. And despite William Saliba's equalizer from a corner kick in the second half, Arsenal had to settle for a point after Bukayo Saka's late goal was disallowed due to Gabriel Martinelli being offside.

Arsenal legend Paul Merson described the moment as a "nightmare" and stated that the result was not good for Arteta's side, who had previously reduced Liverpool's lead from nine to seven points after beating Manchester United.

As a result, Liverpool now leads Arsenal by six points at the top of the Premier League table with a game in hand. The Reds return to action against Fulham at Anfield next week.

Regarding the two VAR decisions, one that allowed Saliba's goal and the other that ruled out Saka's late strike, the Premier League issued two statements via their match center on X. The first statement read: "The referee's call of goal was checked and confirmed by the VAR as Saliba was in an onside position."

The second comment read: "Saka's goal was initially awarded on-field. VAR checked and determined that Martinelli was in an offside position in the build-up and recommended that the goal was disallowed."

Following this decision, Arsenal will feel hard done by another contentious VAR decision, while Liverpool fans will cherish the silver lining as both the Gunners and Manchester City dropped points over the weekend.

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