The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) once again took center stage in the Premier League this weekend, with key decisions across several matches sparking controversy.
The one which took the headline was the disallowing of Eberechi Eze’s free kick for Crystal Palace against Chelsea.
Here’s a breakdown of the weekend’s major incidents and why they were given.
Chelsea 0-0 Crystal Palace VAR Review
Eze’s Disallowed Free Kick: Guéhi Too Close to the Wall
What happened:
In the 13th minute at Stamford Bridge, Eberechi Eze fired a sensational free kick past Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sánchez to seemingly give Palace the lead.
However, VAR James Bell flagged an infringement in the buildup, sending referee Darren England to the monitor.
VAR decision: Goal disallowed.
Why: Palace defender Marc Guéhi had pushed Moisés Caicedo into Chelsea’s defensive wall and was deemed to be within one metre of the wall, breaking the law introduced in 2019.
While restart offences such as foul throws cannot be reviewed by VAR, this situation is different, much like encroachment on a penalty.
That allowed VAR to intervene for the first time ever in such a case in Premier League history. Hence, by the letter of the law, the decision was correct.
Possible Penalty: Sánchez Challenge on Guéhi
Just before halftime, Palace launched a long throw into the box. Robert Sánchez came out to punch but made contact with Guéhi’s head.
VAR decision: No penalty.
Why: VAR judged that Sánchez made a genuine attempt for the ball and may have made contact at the same time as Guéhi. The collision was not considered reckless or forceful enough for intervention.
Liverpool 4-2 Bournemouth VAR Review
Possible Red Card: Marcos Senesi Handball
What happened:
In the 13th minute, Mohamed Salah’s pass nearly played in Hugo Ekitike, but Bournemouth’s Senesi appeared to swipe the ball with his hand, denying a clear chance on goal.
VAR decision: No red card.
Why: Referee Anthony Taylor initially saw only the first contact, where the ball hit Senesi’s arm after rebounding off his thigh accidental. However, replays showed Senesi then deliberately swiped the ball out of Ekitike’s path.
Verdict: Wrong call. This was a clear denial of a goal-scoring opportunity (DOGSO) and should have been a red card. Liverpool’s late goals didn’t this mistake to dominate post-match headlines.
Manchester United 0-1 Arsenal
Possible Penalty: Saliba Challenge on Cunha
What happened:
Late in the match, Matheus Cunha appeared to be pulled down by William Saliba as he tried to turn in the box.
VAR decision: No penalty.
Why: The contact was seen as minimal, with Saliba more blocking than fouling, and Cunha moving backward at the same time.
Verdict: A subjective call. VAR chose not to intervene, leaving it as “on-field referee’s decision.” Either outcome would likely have been supported.
EPL 2025/25 Week 1 Results
- Liverpool 4-2 Bournemouth
- Newcastle 0-0 Aston Villa
- Tottenham 3-0 Burnley
- Sunderland 3-0 Westham
- Brighton 1-1 Fulham
- Wolves 0-4 Manchester City
- Chelsea 0-0 Crystal Palace
- Nottingham Forest 3-1 Brentford
- Manchester United 0-1 Arsenal
- Leeds vs Everton (Monday; 15:00)
