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Arsenal Wins Amid Controversial VAR Call in Villa Match

1/14/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The Premier League's Key Match Incidents Panel ruled unanimously that Arsenal's Mikel Merino should have received a second yellow card for a foul on Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers on December 30.
VAR could not intervene in this situation.
Aston Villa argued the decision affected their chances.
Arsenal won 4-1.
Arsenal leads the Premier League by 14 points over Liverpool, while Villa and Manchester City are six behind.

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Story summary

The Premier League's Key Match Incidents Panel ruled unanimously that Arsenal's Mikel Merino should have received a second yellow card for a foul on Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers on December 30.
VAR could not intervene in this situation.
Aston Villa argued the decision affected their chances.
Arsenal won 4-1.
Arsenal leads the Premier League by 14 points over Liverpool, while Villa and Manchester City are six behind.