Heading into Matchday 10, Arsenal have surged to the top of the Premier League table, capitalising on back-to-back losses by Manchester City.

However, their rise to the summit has been accompanied by heavy criticism from rival fans, who claim Mikel Arteta’s side are consistently benefiting from lenient refereeing and VAR decisions.

Rival fans have taken to social media to mock VAR as a system that grants “whatever Arsenal wants”. This backlash, paired with a growing list of controversial refereeing decisions, has fuelled claims of an ongoing “love affair” between the reigning champions and PGMOL.

Havertz tackle vs Mateta’s red card

The debate surrounding inconsistent disciplinary standards reached a boiling point during recent matchdays.

Rival supporters pointed to Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta receiving a straight red card against Tottenham for a lunging challenge on Micky van de Ven that caught the defender’s ankle.

In contrast, Kai Havertz escaped a red card for a strikingly similar late, high-boot lunge onto an opponent’s ankle, receiving only a yellow card. The decision sparked widespread outcry, with critics pointing to the disparity as proof of protected status for key title contenders.

Isak penalty denied at Anfield

Arsenal’s 1–0 victory over Liverpool at Anfield—their first league win at the venue since 2012—was heavily overshadowed by a major penalty controversy.

Early in the match, Arsenal defender Jurriën Timber was clearly seen tugging the shirt of Alexander Isak inside the 6-yard box as the Swedish forward attempted to reach a header.

Referee Andy Madley waved play on, and VAR Stuart Attwell declined to intervene. Because Isak stayed on his feet to attempt the shot rather than going to the ground, no penalty was awarded.

The decision divided pundits, with former referee Peter Walton calling it a “perfect penalty kick” and Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola admitting in frustration that he might have to teach his players to dive if honest play goes unrewarded.

Meanwhile, the referee body PGMOL has also come under criticism after footage showed the referee warning Gabriel over repeated fouls during the interval of the clash. The Arsenal defender faces a growing cheating storm after allegedly faking a facial blow during their 1–0 win over Liverpool.

Madueke escapes second yellow

The tension at Anfield escalated further following a heated confrontation between Liverpool’s Alexis Mac Allister and Arsenal winger Noni Madueke. Madueke, who was already carrying a yellow card, engaged in a face-to-face altercation with Mac Allister, appearing to lean into the midfielder with his head.

Despite intense protests from the Liverpool squad demanding a second booking or a direct red card for violent conduct, the referee and VAR opted not to issue a card.

Pundits slammed the decision, arguing that any other player already on a booking would have been sent off for initiating a head-to-head confrontation.