Premier League explains VAR decision in Arsenal vs Leicester City encounter
Leicester City battled back from a 2-0 deficit at halftime, only to have their hopes dashed in stoppage time.
The Premier League has explained why VAR overturned the decision to disallow Kai Havertz’s late goal for offside, allowing Arsenal to claim all three points against Leicester City.
In a thrilling match, Arsenal led 2-0 at halftime with goals from Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard.
They might have expected a comfortable victory against a winless Leicester side.
However, the second half was anything but easy. Just two minutes after the restart, James Justin scored to reduce the deficit, and his brilliant volley in the 63rd minute leveled the match at 2-2.
Despite the pressure from Leicester and goalkeeper Mads Hermansen’s efforts, Arsenal found a breakthrough.
A 94th-minute corner deflected off Wilfred Ndidi, sending the Emirates Stadium into a frenzy as the Gunners regained the lead at 3-2.
Leicester made attacking changes in a final push to salvage something, but Arsenal struck again in the 98th minute when Kai Havertz scored into an open goal.
However, celebrations were stopped by the assistant referee’s offside flag, as reported by Football London.
After a VAR review, the goal was awarded. The Premier League clarified that the reversal occurred because the ball was played to Havertz by Justin.
On X (formerly Twitter), the Premier League Match Centre explained: “Havertz’s goal was disallowed for offside on-field.
VAR confirmed the ball was played by the defender and recommended the goal be awarded.”
