VARsenal — Where Every Decision Goes Their Way

🏆 THE HALL OF SHAME

The Greatest Hits

A lovingly documented archive of the moments that made the rest of the Premier League weep into their scarves.

BREAKING — March 11, 2026

🏆 Champions League

The Leverkusen Heist

Bayer Leverkusen 1–1 Arsenal | Champions League R16 | 11 March 2026

Arsenal were losing 1-0 and heading for a Champions League defeat at the BayArena. Then, in the 89th minute, referee Darren England pointed to the spot for a contact so faint it required a microscope to detect — Malik Tillman's alleged touch on Noni Madueke. Kai Havertz, returning to his former club, stepped up and converted. The Leverkusen bench erupted in fury.

"It's not a penalty. We were the better team for 90 minutes and deserved the win tonight." — Kasper Hjulmand, Leverkusen Manager

ESPN's VAR review confirmed Arsenal were "fortunate" to receive the penalty. Havertz himself admitted he was "sorry" for Leverkusen. The referee, however, had no such regrets.

Verdict: 🤔 Extremely Soft

Watch: 'VERY SOFT!' — Sky Sports React ↗

December 2025

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Premier League

The Everton Christmas Robbery

Everton 0–1 Arsenal | Premier League | 20 December 2025

William Saliba kicked Thierno Barry's calf inside the penalty area. The referee didn't give it. VAR didn't intervene. Arsenal won 1-0 and spent Christmas Day at the top of the Premier League table. Two weeks later, the Premier League's Key Match Incidents Panel voted 3-2 that it was a penalty and that VAR should have sent the referee to the monitor.

"Had the penalty decision gone the way of Everton, Arsenal would have made the trip back to London with just one point." — Sports Illustrated

Verdict: ❌ Officially Wrong (Panel Confirmed)

January 2025

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Premier League

The Saliba Headbutt Penalty

Brighton 1–1 Arsenal | Premier League | January 2025

Brighton were awarded a penalty when William Saliba appeared to make unintentional contact with Joao Pedro while trying to win a header. Replays showed Saliba got a slight touch on the ball first. The VAR took just seven seconds to confirm the decision. Arsenal, who had been leading 1-0, drew the match and dropped two more precious points.

"VAR took just seven seconds to determine Brighton's controversial penalty against Arsenal was correct to be given." — Sky Sports

Verdict: ⚖️ Highly Debatable

August 2024

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Premier League

The Declan Rice "Pass"

Brighton 1–1 Arsenal | Premier League | August 2024

Declan Rice received a second yellow card for kicking the ball away — a decision so minimal that Arteta later claimed Rice had simply "passed the ball." Arsenal had been leading 1-0 and ended up drawing, losing two vital points. Two games later, Leandro Trossard did the same thing against Manchester City (this time, he definitely kicked it) and received the same punishment. Arsenal drew again.

"He passed the ball." — Mikel Arteta, with a completely straight face

Verdict: ⚖️ Debatable (Rice) / 😬 Definitely Kicked It (Trossard)

January 2025

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Premier League

The Lewis-Skelly Red Card (That Wasn't)

Arsenal vs Wolves | Premier League | January 2025

Myles Lewis-Skelly was shown a straight red card for a professional foul on Matt Doherty — a challenge that, by any reasonable standard, was a yellow card. The red card was later overturned on appeal. This was the only VAR error the Premier League's Key Match Incidents Panel admitted went against Arsenal in the entire 2024-25 season. Just one. Out of the entire season.

"A yellow card is far more in keeping with how the game is refereed in the Premier League." — Dale Johnson, ESPN VAR Review

Verdict: ❌ Wrong — Overturned on Appeal

January 2026

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Premier League

The Martinelli Madness

Arsenal vs Liverpool | Premier League | January 2026

Gabriel Martinelli caused a major controversy when he kicked Conor Bradley while the Liverpool player was already down injured. Arteta's defence? "He didn't realise." Martinelli later apologised. Roy Keane called it "disgraceful." Arne Slot, Liverpool's manager, took the diplomatic route and defended Martinelli. The incident sparked a wider debate about Arsenal's conduct on the pitch.

"He didn't realise." — Mikel Arteta, Arsenal Manager

Verdict: 😬 Indefensible

🚩 THE CORNER KICK CONSPIRACY

Rugby Is Played at Highbury Now

Arsenal have turned the humble corner kick into a full-contact sport. Here's how they've been getting away with it.

The Tactic Explained

Under manager Mikel Arteta and set-piece coach Nicolas Jover, Arsenal have developed a corner kick routine that involves deliberately placing players on the opposition goalkeeper — blocking their movement, obstructing their jump, and essentially using them as a human wall. The result? 31+ goals from corners since the start of the 2023-24 season, more than any other team in the Premier League.

Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher's response when asked about the tactic? He told goalkeepers to "be stronger." Goalkeepers, apparently, should simply defy the laws of physics when a 6'2" centre-back is sitting on their feet.

The controversy reached fever pitch in March 2026 when Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler accused Arsenal of exploiting "grey areas" in officiating. Wolves manager Gary O'Neil went further, calling the tactics "illegal." Chelsea legend John Obi Mikel was even more direct: "Those goals should not stand. What they're doing to the goalkeeper is illegal."

Arteta's response to all this criticism? He said he was "upset" that Arsenal "haven't scored more." Absolute zero shame. Magnificent.

31+ Corner goals since 2023-24

11 Players blocking at corners

0 Times Arteta has apologised

Arsenal corner blocking tactic analysis — Arsenal's corner blocking routine — tactical analysis showing the systematic obstruction of the goalkeeper

Arsenal corner blocking in action — The tactic in action — Arsenal players screen the goalkeeper while the ball comes in

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"Those goals should not stand. What they're doing to the goalkeeper is illegal."

— John Obi Mikel, Chelsea Legend

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"Arsenal play pure HARAM ball. The way they attack corners should be ILLEGAL."

— Fan reaction, widely shared on social media

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"I'm upset we haven't scored more [from corners]."

— Mikel Arteta, Arsenal Manager (March 2026)

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"Arsenal take full advantage of grey areas in officiating."

— Fabian Hurzeler, Brighton Manager

🤿 THE DIVING ACADEMY

Presented by Emirates Fly Better™

Arsenal players have a long and distinguished history of creative falling. Here we celebrate the artistry.

🏊

The Robert Pires Legacy

The original Arsenal diver. Pires elevated simulation to an art form in the early 2000s, winning penalties with falls that would have impressed Olympic gymnasts. He set the template that Arsenal players have been following ever since.

Dive Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

🥇

The 2018-19 Record Season

Arsenal received a record 6th yellow card for simulation in a single Premier League season — more than any other club. They were officially crowned the Premier League's biggest divers. A historic achievement.

Dive Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

✈️

The Saka Penalty Harvester

Bukayo Saka has been involved in numerous controversial penalty decisions across the Premier League and Champions League. Arsenal had a penalty overturned against Fulham in October 2025 — the second time in three games they'd had a penalty appeal rejected. The referees are finally catching on. Sometimes.

Dive Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

🎭

The Martinelli Theatrics

Gabriel Martinelli has contributed to Arsenal's rich tradition of dramatic falls and controversial moments. His January 2026 incident against Liverpool — kicking Conor Bradley while injured — showed a different side of Arsenal's dark arts. Arteta's defence: "He didn't realise." Truly, a masterclass in managerial spin.

Dive Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Arsenal diving statistics — Arsenal: Premier League's most prolific divers — the statistics speak for themselves

Saka penalty claim — Another day, another penalty claim — Saka with referee Anthony Taylor

🎬 ARTETA'S GREATEST HITS

The Touchline Maestro

Mikel Arteta has turned referee harassment into a performing art. A curated selection of his finest moments.

The Referee Whisperer

Arteta has been booked multiple times for his touchline protests and has escaped FA punishment on several occasions for post-match refereeing rants. His ability to argue every single decision while simultaneously benefiting from controversial calls is truly a special talent.

The Kavanagh Confrontation

Arteta was seen shouting at referee Chris Kavanagh before halftime in one memorable incident. The FA investigated. Nothing happened. Arsenal won. Business as usual.

The Teflon Manager

Despite multiple incidents, Arteta has repeatedly escaped significant FA punishment for his refereeing rants. His post-match press conferences after controversial decisions are a masterclass in selective outrage — furious when decisions go against Arsenal, mysteriously silent when they benefit.

📹 THE VIDEO VAULT

See It With Your Own Eyes

Don't just take our word for it. Here's the video evidence. Watch, weep, and wonder how they keep getting away with it.

Champions League

'VERY SOFT!' — Arsenal's Lucky Leverkusen Penalty

Sky Sports and pundits react to the controversial 89th-minute penalty that rescued Arsenal's Champions League tie.

Premier League

Every Terrible VAR Decision of 2024/25 — 13 Minutes

A comprehensive compilation of the worst VAR decisions of the 2024-25 season. Arsenal feature prominently, naturally.

Premier League

Every Terrible VAR Decision of 2025 — 22 Minutes

The 2025 edition. Even longer. Even worse. Strap in.

Champions League

Kai Havertz Late Penalty Saves Arsenal vs Leverkusen

The full match highlights from the BayArena. Watch the penalty and judge for yourself.

Premier League

UEFA Breaks Silence After Arsenal Penalty Controversy

Even UEFA had to weigh in on the controversy surrounding Arsenal's penalty decisions.

Debate

'CLEAR PENALTY! Rivals Are BLINDED By Arsenal HATE!'

The other side of the argument — Arsenal fans defending every single decision. Entertaining viewing.

📊 THE NUMBERS DON'T LIE

By The Numbers

Statistics, facts, and figures that paint a very interesting picture. Purely coincidental, of course.

VAR Errors by Club — 2025/26 Premier League Season (via GiveMeSport / Squawka)
Club	VAR Errors FOR	VAR Errors AGAINST	Net Benefit	Verdict
🔴 Arsenal	4	3	+1	😏 Blessed
🍒 Bournemouth	5	0	+5	🍀 Very Lucky
🦅 Crystal Palace	1	5	-4	😭 Robbed
⚫ Newcastle	4	5	-1	😐 Roughly Fair
🔵 Brighton	4	2	+2	😊 Lucky
⚪ Spurs	4	5	-1	😐 Roughly Fair

* Data from Squawka fan polls and GiveMeSport analysis. Arsenal's 4 errors in their favour does not include the Everton penalty miss (admitted by the Key Match Incidents Panel) which is from the 2025-26 season.

🏆

31+

Goals from corners since 2023-24

More than any other Premier League team. The blocking tactic has been called "borderline illegal" by the Daily Mail.

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1

VAR errors admitted against Arsenal in 2024-25

The Premier League's Key Match Incidents Panel found just ONE error went against Arsenal all season. One. The Lewis-Skelly red card.

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6

Simulation yellow cards in 2018-19

A Premier League record. Arsenal were officially crowned the league's biggest divers. Robert Pires would be proud of his legacy.

📅

3-2

Panel vote on Everton penalty (Dec 2025)

The Key Match Incidents Panel voted 3-2 that Saliba's foul on Barry WAS a penalty. Arsenal had already spent Christmas at the top of the table.

💬 THE QUOTES WALL

What They're Saying

Managers, pundits, and legends from across football have had their say. We've collected the best ones.

"It's not a penalty. We were the better team for 90 minutes and deserved the win tonight."

— Kasper Hjulmand, Bayer Leverkusen Manager
After Arsenal's controversial 89th-minute penalty, March 2026

"I'm upset we haven't scored more [from corners]."

— Mikel Arteta
Responding to corner kick controversy, March 2026

"Those goals should not stand. What they're doing to the goalkeeper is illegal."

— John Obi Mikel
Chelsea legend on Arsenal's corner tactics

"Arsenal take full advantage of grey areas in officiating at corner kicks."

— Fabian Hurzeler, Brighton Manager
March 2026

"He passed the ball."

— Mikel Arteta
Defending Declan Rice's second yellow card for kicking the ball away

"He didn't realise."

— Mikel Arteta
Defending Martinelli kicking Conor Bradley while injured, January 2026

"Arteta's tactics are illegal."

— Gary O'Neil, Wolves Manager
On Arsenal's set-piece blocking routines

"He hasn't been strong enough — if he thinks it's a foul, go down."

— Dermot Gallagher, Former Premier League Referee
Telling goalkeepers to dive to get fouls called against Arsenal's blockers

"Arsenal are officially the Premier League's biggest divers."

— Multiple media outlets
After Arsenal's record 6th simulation yellow card, 2019

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