Arsenal informed that Tottenham’s goal should’ve been ruled out as the Premier League clarifies the decision.

Les Ferdinand was stunned that Arsenal’s second goal against Tottenham Hotspur was allowed to stand. Ebere Eze doubled Arsenal’s lead just before half-time, weaving through the Spurs defence before beating Guglielmo Vicario. Despite pressure from two Tottenham defenders, the goal sparked debate over whether it should have counted.

Bukayo Saka, Martin Zubimendi and Leandro Trossard were all standing in offside positions, and Ferdinand questioned why the goal wasn’t ruled out, arguing that the trio obstructed Vicario’s line of sight. The issue has drawn heavy scrutiny recently, especially after Virgil van Dijk’s header against Manchester City was disallowed due to Andy Robertson standing in front of Gianluigi Donnarumma.

Similarly, Liverpool were frustrated this weekend when Murillo’s goal for Nottingham Forest was allowed, despite a Forest player being offside and stood in front of Alisson Becker. The Premier League later clarified the decision on Arsenal’s goal, stating that VAR checked the situation and determined there was no interference with the goalkeeper.

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 line of vision of the goalkeeper, and they made no movement to impact an opponent while in an offside position.”

Ferdinand responded: “I don’t understand. I need someone to explain to me how this doesn’t affect the goalkeeper’s sight. I don’t understand how that’s not looked at and seen that these players are blocking the goalkeeper’s view. I really don’t.”

Earlier in the day, Manchester City had failed to beat Newcastle United, meaning a win for Arsenal over Spurs would take them six points clear at the top of the Premier League. Tottenham held out for 36 minutes before Trossard eventually broke through. Five minutes later, Eze added a second.

Gary Neville criticised Spurs’ defensive display and overall approach under Thomas Frank, noting that they failed to trouble Arsenal and produced no shots in the first half. “It’s mayhem – North London delight for Arsenal,” Neville said. “Those white shirts are like mannequins. To me, that’s game over unless Thomas Frank does something remarkable.”

Spurs found a lifeline when Richarlison scored with their first attempt of the match, lifting the ball over David Raya from 30 yards after spotting the goalkeeper off his line.