VAR took away another Arsenal penalty, this time against Fulham at Craven Cottage after it was deemed Kevin got a touch on the ball before initially fouling Bukayo Saka.

It’s the second time in three Premier League games that the Gunners have been given penalties on the field only for VAR to recommend officials have a second look at the monitor.

Saka dribbled into the Fulham penalty area before the Fulham attacker lunged in. Saka went to ground as the ball rolled away with referee Anthony Taylor pointing to the spot. Initial discussions confirmed the Arsenal captain was in the box as extended scrutiny followed regarding the action.

“After review, Fulham 22 (Kevin) makes a challenge and plays the ball. Therefore, no foul is committed. No penalty and restart is a drop ball to the goalkeeper,” Taylor announced.

Arsenal Lose Penalty Appeal for Second Time in Three Games

Bukayo Saka
Saka thought he won a penalty for his side in the second half. | Ben Stansall/AFP/Getty Images

The decision comes 20 days after Arsenal had a penalty overturned by VAR against Newcastle United at St. James’ Park.

In that game, Viktor Gyökeres had collided with goalkeeper Nick Pope in a one-vs-one situation with Jarred Gillett initially awarding the penalty. Today’s ruling was similar to the decision at Newcastle.

“After review, the Newcastle goalkeeper plays the ball and there is no foul. The final decision is drop ball,” Gillett said. The referee further revealed because of a hot mic that Pope got a touch on the ball with his toe.

Arsenal went on to win 2–1 thanks to a late goal by Gabriel. They did receive a penalty the following week against West Ham at Emirates Stadium.

At the time of the penalty being chalked off against Fulham, the Gunners led by a goal.

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This article was originally published on www.si.com as Why Arsenal Had a Penalty Overturned Against Fulham.