Some numbers demand to be taken seriously.
Not because they come from frustrated fans or rival supporters.
But because they come from an independent analysis that applies the same methodology to every club.
And arrives at a conclusion that is deeply uncomfortable for English football’s governing bodies.
Arsenal are the current Premier League champions.
However, them deserving it is another question.
Analysis reveals correct referee calls would have left Manchester City two points clear of Arsenal going into the final day
According to The Athletic, their analysis of every significant officiating error this season, focusing specifically on VAR mistakes egregious enough that officials at Stockley Park should have intervened, shows that Arsenal benefited from four points as a result of incorrect decisions.
Manchester City’s tally, in contrast, was not affected at all.
Zero VAR errors in City’s favour.
Zero points gifted.
For Arsenal, the picture is very different.
Several of the incidents are well documented and now a matter of official record.
Confirmed as errors not just by independent analysts but by the Premier League’s own KMI panel.
Everton should have been awarded a penalty in the 1-0 defeat to Arsenal, with both the on-pitch official and VAR failing to spot a clear foul inside the box.
However, the KMI panel ruled 3-2 that the call was incorrect and that VAR should have sent the referee to the monitor.
Brighton should also have been given a penalty in a 1-0 Arsenal victory, a foul by Martinelli on Wiefer that went unpunished.
Chelsea were denied a penalty in what ended as a 2-1 Arsenal victory, despite Rice appearing to have his hands around Joao Pedro’s neck.
It does not include on-field judgement calls that didn’t meet the threshold for review.
However, even within those parameters, the conclusion is stark.
A corrected title race would have had Manchester City two points clear with one game to play.
Yet, the Premier League title may have been decided by four incorrectly awarded points.
English football has a lot to answer for this summer.
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