Why was Man City's second goal against Arsenal allowed to stand following a long VAR review?
Manchester City scored a second goal against Arsenal in the last minutes of the first half, when a VAR review overruled the judgment to rule out John Stones' header.
Manchester City had VAR to thank as their second goal against Arsenal was approved following a lengthy review.
Pep Guardiola's team had already taken full control of the Premier League title race, with Kevin De Bruyne putting them ahead with a fantastic solo goal. Despite entering the game as the second-placed club, City dominated the current leaders and may have increased their lead had Aaron Ramsdale not denied Erling Haaland on multiple occasions.
But the champs were not to be denied, and on the stroke of half-time, it was 2-0, with John Stones scoring. Following a superb delivery from De Bruyne, the England international skillfully headed past Ramsdale.
Celebrations were stopped short, however, as the referee's assistant raised his flag to rule out the goal. Stones had really returned to his post at the middle of City's defense, where he was waiting for an Arsenal free kick.
Officials at Stockley Park investigated the incident and determined that Ben White's outstretched foot had mistakenly played Stones onside. And with that, the judgment was reversed, resulting in wild celebrations at the Etihad.
"Tell you what, as far as Arsenal are concerned, that is a devastating blow," remarked BT Sport commentator Lucy Ward. "Not just conceding, but the length of time it took."
"They thought they'd go in at one nil, and it's that close." It's a fantastic, well-executed free kick. Stones, you're right on the precipice."
"Very close, but you have to say Ben White is out of sync with the rest of the defense playing them on," former City defender Joleon Lescott said at halftime.
Martin Keown, an Arsenal icon, was less convinced by his own assessment, saying, "We will have to trust VAR have got that right."
But, if the goal was debatable, the brilliance of De Bruyne's pass was undeniable, with his spectacular first 45 minutes attracting the eye of Rio Ferdinand: "Kevin De Bruyne again, his most assists in a season, I think it's 25 now."
"He's been fantastic in the first half. When it comes to huge games and key moments in a season, this guy has shown up so many times in the past, and he did it again today."
Moments after the goal, there was more VAR controversy for Arsenal, with Ruben Dias avoiding a red card. After another check, the City defender looked to kick out at White, but escaped with a caution.
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