According to a report by London Evening Standard on Wednesday September 9, 2026, The Premier League has officially admitted that Arsenal should have been awarded a late penalty during their 1-0 victory over Aston Villa.
The league’s Key Match Incidents Panel ruled that Ian Maatsen’s challenge on Bruno Guimaraes in the 98th minute was a foul and that VAR should have intervened.
Referee Jarred Gillett failed to award a spot-kick after the incident involving Guimaraes. VAR official James Bell also decided against recommending an on-field review. The panel subsequently voted unanimously against both decisions.
The incident occurred during the closing stages of Arsenal’s narrow victory at Villa Park. Bukayo Saka had already given the Gunners the lead earlier in the second half. Arsenal were therefore able to secure all three points despite the controversial decision.
According to the panel, Maatsen made clear contact with Guimaraes standing leg. The defender also failed to make any contact with the ball during the challenge. The panel consequently considered the tackle reckless and believed Arsenal should have been awarded a penalty.
The officials also concluded that Maatsen should have received a second yellow card for the challenge. He had already been booked shortly before the incident for a foul on Saka. A second caution would therefore have resulted in his dismissal.
The Premier League maintained that VAR has a high threshold before officials can recommend an intervention. However, the panel determined that the incident met the required standard for a review.
A successful VAR intervention could have given Arsenal an opportunity to double their advantage from the penalty spot. Villa would also have been forced to continue with ten players.
The decision does not change the final result, but it confirms that Arsenal were denied a significant late opportunity. The ruling also represents a unanimous acknowledgment that the officiating team made an error.
