The reason why Bournemouth striker Evanilson's crucial goal against Arsenal was allowed to stand has been revealed as the Cherries completed an incredible comeback to secure their first-ever away win at the Emirates in the Premier League. Despite needing a win in their Champions League semi-final second leg against PSG next week, Mikel Arteta started a strong side and took the lead thanks to Declan Rice.
However, Andoni Iraola's side struck back in the second half, with Dean Huijsen levelling proceedings before the Brazilian frontman bundled home from a corner to give the visitors the initiative. Replays showed that the final touch may have come off the striker's arm, but after a lengthy VAR check, the goal was allowed to stand and there has now been some clarification as to why that was.
MixCollage-02-May-2025-09-43-PM-2257 Related
Why Wolves' Rayan Ait-Nouri Avoided Red Card vs Man City
Ait-Nouri wasn't even booked for the horror challenge.
Premier League Confirm Why Evanilson Goal Allowed to Stand
The PL match centre account gave an update on the decision
MixCollage-03-May-2025-07-15-PM-3966
In an update provided by the Premier League Match Centre X account, it was confirmed that the Evanilson goal was allowed to stand as there was no conclusive evidence that he had handled the ball before it squirmed past David Raya. While one angle did seem to suggest it may have deflected off his elbow, several different shots were scrutinised by the VAR, all of which came back inconclusive.
"The referee’s call of goal was checked and confirmed by VAR – with no conclusive evidence that Evanilson handled the ball before scoring."
The favourable decision for the number nine comes less than a week after he was controversially sent off in the 1-1 draw with Manchester United. While he was initially given a yellow card, this was upgraded to a red upon a review of the rash challenge, though replays did seem to show the 25-year-old slipping as he went into the tackle on the Moroccan star.
Bournemouth lodged an appeal over the dismissal, which was successful after an independent commission found that Evanilson was wrongfully sent off.