The "human error" that can prevent Arsenal from winning the English Premier League

 

A dropped point here or a missed goal there has long been enough to decide the English Premier League.

The difference between last year's champion Manchester City and runner-up Liverpool was just one point, and as Jurgen Klopp's team is now realising, opportunities to win the title are rare when you're stuck in the middle of the league.

As a result, when "human error," as admitted by the organization in charge of Premier League referees, allowed Brentford's equalizer to stand in a 1-1 draw with league leader Arsenal, it sparked a heated response and prevented the Gunners from securing a key victory.

Following the play, manager Mikel Arteta told Sky Sports, "I just watched back and it is offside, yeah." "Have they stated why it wasn't permitted? No. Although it is annoying, they will presumably provide an explanation later this week. We don't have one today.

Ivan Toney headed in a goal from a free kick after the ball wobbled about the penalty box as Brentford fell behind 1-0.

Ethan Pinnock's challenge on Gabriel during the original free-kick was reviewed by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR), Lee Mason, but it didn't appear that he followed the VAR's rules to review a second incident in the goal's build-up where Christian Norgaard appeared to be offside.

"When defending, you must adhere to specific principles, which you do by following the law. You have to modify your principles when the regulations are suddenly changed, Arteta said.

Therefore, inform us beforehand so that you don't hold the (defensive) line up too high. Because if you get blocked, you'll always be at an advantage. If you are offside, you cannot block."

The organization in charge of Premier League referees, Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), informed CNN that Chief Refereeing Officer Howard Webb had gotten in touch with Arsenal "to recognise and explain the serious flaws in the VAR process."

The error was "being thoroughly reviewed by PGMOL," it was said.

Following a shocking loss to Everton, Arsenal dropped points for the second straight week against Brentford, cutting its lead over Manchester City to to six points rather than eight had it defeated Brentford.

On Wednesday, the Gunners will play City in a match that is likely to determine their season.