Arsenal informed that Tottenham’s goal ought to have been ruled out as the Premier League clarifies the call.

Les Ferdinand was stunned that Arsenal’s second goal against Tottenham wasn’t ruled out. Ebere Eze struck just before half-time, weaving past the Spurs defence and finishing past Guglielmo Vicario. Although he scored under pressure from two defenders, Spurs protested that the goal should have been disallowed because Bukayo Saka, Martin Zubimendi and Leandro Trossard were standing in offside positions. Ferdinand questioned how the three didn’t obstruct Vicario’s view.

The issue has been heavily debated lately. Virgil van Dijk saw a goal against Manchester City chalked off because Andy Robertson was standing in front of Gianluigi Donnarumma, and Liverpool were again frustrated this weekend when Murillo’s goal for Nottingham Forest stood despite a teammate being offside and directly in front of Alisson Becker.

The Premier League later defended Arsenal’s goal, stating that VAR checked the incident and concluded no Arsenal player was in Vicario’s line of sight or made movements that interfered with an opponent. Their statement read: “The referee’s call of goal was checked and confirmed by VAR – with it deemed that there were no Arsenal players in the goalkeeper’s line of vision, and they made no movement to impact an opponent while in an offside position.”

Ferdinand disagreed, saying: “I don’t understand how this doesn’t affect the goalkeeper’s sight. I don’t understand how this isn’t seen as players blocking his view. I really don’t.”

Less than a minute after play resumed, things got even worse for Spurs as Eze scored again. The 27-year-old, who rejected a move to Tottenham to join Arsenal, punished his would-be employers with a composed finish into the bottom corner.

Arsenal had already taken the lead through Leandro Trossard after 36 minutes, breaking down a previously stubborn Spurs defence. With Manchester City failing to beat Newcastle, Arsenal had the chance to move six points clear at the top.

Gary Neville criticised Tottenham’s passive defending and overall approach, saying their players looked “like mannequins” and insisting the game was effectively over unless Thomas Frank made dramatic changes.

Spurs finally showed some life when Richarlison pulled a goal back with their first attempt of the match, spotting David Raya off his line and lobbing him from 30 yards.