Everton 2-1 Arsenal: 4 talking points from Goodison horror show

4. VAR Plays a Huge Role

Say what you want about VAR, but tonight it left a lot to be desired. Richarlison had two goals chalked off for offside with the second only millimeters off, but it was not the disallowed goals that stood out.

There were two challenges that should have been red cards – with nothing given in either. Not even yellow cards.

First, it was Ben Godfrey who clearly stamped on Takehiro Tomiyau’s face in the first half. Accident or not, albeit incredibly hard to argue it wasn’t, it was a red card offense every day of the week. Commentary teams and onlookers in abundance were left flabbergasted.

Then in the second half, a late challenge from Anthony Gordon saw him go high with his studs up on Nuno Tavares, yet he too was let off the hook. VAR did not even look at the incident.

Both were perfect examples of situations where the red card would have been like lightning coming out of Martin Atkinson’s pocket if the number on the back of the offender was No. 34.

Two decisions that cost Arsenal dearly. Does it excuse the performance? Not at all. But the atrocious VAR decisions against this team are piling up.