Photo by Rob Newell - CameraSport via Getty Images
Photo by Rob Newell - CameraSport via Getty Images
Arsenal fans cannot seem to escape the narrative lumped on them from rival fans about supposedly benefitting from refereeing decisions.
Since last season, Mikel Arteta’s side have been accused of consistently getting the rub of the green, and that referees give them an easy ride. But the numbers say otherwise.
According to figures compiled by @bootifulgame, as per official verdicts from the Premier League’s Key Match Incidents Panel, Arsenal have had three confirmed errors go against them already this season. That’s more than any other team in the Premier League.
Two of the three confirmed errors came in one incident at Villa Park, where Ian Maatsen brought down Bruno Guimaraes in the penalty area. The panel unanimously agreed that VAR should’ve intervened, awarding a penalty to Arsenal and a red card to Maatsen, who was already on a yellow card.
Image of Gabriel and Ezri Konsa with Daniel Ballard of Sunderland during a football match
Photo by Michael Driver/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
The latest error was more significant as it could have cost Arsenal dearly were it not for the penalty-saving heroics of David Raya. Sunderland were awarded a penalty against Ezri Konsa, but all five KMI panellists agreed it was incorrect. However, three of the five felt VAR was right not to intervene because it didn’t meet the ‘clear and obvious error’ threshold.
That in itself is deeply flawed, no? How can something be unanimously wrong but not clearly and obviously wrong? It’s yet another example of why VAR continues to frustrate everyone involved in the game.
Anyway, Arsenal have been on the wrong end of officiating more than anyone this season, but that’s not the only figure fans can point to.
Manchester City have benefited from refereeing errors
Meanwhile, the team Arsenal are currently trailing in the league table and their main title rivals, Manchester City, have benefited from two confirmed errors going in their favour.
Unsurprisingly the KMI panel unanimously agreed that Erling Haaland’s controversial winner against Manchester United should not have stood, as Enzo Fernandez made a clear attempt for the ball from an offside position.
There has been plenty of discussion already during the international break around whether Man City’s fast start is sustainable. Their performances, their xG data, and significant refereeing decisions falling their way suggest they have been luckier than their performances warranted.
Arteta will no doubt feel aggrieved by these KMI figures. Fortunately for him, these particular decisions haven’t directly cost Arsenal yet. But the fact that Man City have benefitted from two errors will surely frustrate the Spaniard.
As for the narrative about the Gunners consistently getting favourable decisions, that is clearly not the case.