Arsenal's huge Premier League clash against Manchester City didn't get off to the start that they would've hoped after weeks and months of building to this moment. The side sat five points clear at the top of the table going into the match, but with two extra games played, they needed a win to put the title back into their hands.
Just seven minutes into the game though, their ideal start was shattered as Erling Haaland found Kevin De Bruyne, who took aim from range and found the bottom corner. It was a half of torrential attacks from City, who continued to knock on the door, but couldn't find another.
That was until the stroke of half time, when John Stones had a free header and managed to find the back of the net. The flag was raised for offside, but after a lengthy check on VAR, it was deemed to be onside as the home team took a two-goal lead going into the break.
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There was some controversy at the end of the half as Ben White fouled Ruben Dias and tried to kick the ball out from beneath the defender. This appeared to anger the Portuguese international, who then kicked out at the back of the Arsenal man, sparking a miniature brawl on the pitch.
VAR checked the decision for a potential red card for violent conduct, but it was decided that the defender would only receive a yellow. Former referee Mark Clattenburg explained on BT Sport: "I think what they did is look for a potential red card, if Ruben Dias had used any force in the challenge or the kick-out to Ben White. He didn’t, it was more of a petulant kick, and therefore the VAR was correct in identifying that it was a yellow card offence."
It's a decision that could be viewed as controversial after the game, given just how important the result is for both teams.
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