Arsenal have not conceded a penalty or red card in the Premier League in 2025-26 - but check out this controversial call at St James’ Park eight months ago.
Arsenal supporters celebrated long into the night after confirming a first Premier League title for 22 years.
In a somewhat bittersweet moment, Gunners fans watched from their settees and pubs as Bournemouth held Manchester City to a 1-1 draw. Pep Guardiola will not earn a farewell top-flight title - with the travelling supporters urging him to stay on another year.
At present, the 55-year-old is yet to officially confirm that he will leave the Etihad. But the widespread reporting suggest Guardiola is off - and his departure could blow the Premier League wide open.
Arsenal will be hoping to kick-start an era of dominance in North London. Thousands of Gooners - including club legend Ian Wright - lined the streets to end a two-decade-long wait for the title.
Rival fans have poured scorn on the win - lambasting Arsenal’s set-piece-heavy style as dull. Another pointed towards the VAR controversy 24 hours as proof that Mikel Arteta’s men have been lucky all season.
Premier League stat
Kai Havertz escaped a red card against Burnley for a reckless lunge on Lesley Ugochukwu. The German’s studs were showing and he appeared to catch his Achilles - but VAR failed to intervene.
Arteta took no risks and withdrew Havertz within minutes. Once the Gunners held on, a stat emerged that Arsenal are the only club to have zero red cards and penalties conceded this season.
Online conspiracy theories were rife but, in fairness, the Gunners have comfortably been the best side in 2025-26. Liverpool poorly defended their Premier League trophy while Man City remain in a transitional stage.
But what about this decision…
However, were Newcastle cruelly robbed of a spot-kick in September? The roof almost came off St James’ Park when Anthony Elanga’s cross hit Gabriel’s outstretched arm.
On first inspection, Toon fans could be forgiven for demanding a penalty. TV replays showed the Arsenal defender managed the faintest of touches from his shin before the ball struck his arm.
Common sense failed to prevail in what seemed to be a clear penalty. Speaking post-match, Eddie Howe urged his players to avoid leaving their fate in VAR’s hands.
“I haven’t seen it again so that’s why I haven’t mentioned it,” Howe said. “I don’t know if VAR didn’t give the handball, I had a feeling it was initially but it wasn’t given so you have to accept it.
“You have to look at yourselves first otherwise you will not grow and develop. You are always in the hands of VAR and I have to trust both decisions. One for us and one against us.”
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