A VAR error concerning Manchester City has come to light as the Premier League title race with Arsenal goes down to the wire. The Premier League's Key Match panel has admitted that Everton should have been awarded a penalty in their recent 3-3 draw with Manchester City after Bernardo Silva hauled Toffees star Merlin Rohl to the ground. The incident was not seen by referee Michael Oliver, and VAR official Paul Howard adjudged it to have occurred before the corner was taken, so he could not intervene.
All five members of the panel agreed with Everton boss David Moyes, who was left furious by the decision. The panel ruled: 'There is a clear, sustained holding offence which continues as the corner is taken and the ball comes into play.' The panel consists of one member from the Premier League, one from PGMOL, and three former players or coaches. The admission of error takes the number of VAR errors up to 23 for the campaign, and it is the third time Everton have been denied a penalty through review.
Moyes said at the time: 'If that doesn't get given as a penalty, then it's an absolute free-for-all from now on.' The draw means Manchester City are just two points behind Arsenal, rather than three, after the Gunners reclaimed top spot. Arsenal can restore that five-point lead over City with a win against already relegated Burnley on Monday night.
There have been several controversial recent VAR calls to impact the title race, including a late West Ham United equaliser against Arsenal being ruled out for a foul on goalkeeper David Raya. Speaking on Match Officials Mic'd Up, head of PGMOL Howard Webb admitted another penalty should have been awarded to Everton in a previous defeat to West Ham, saying: 'I think the game just expects a penalty in this situation.'
