VAR were unable to properly check for a possible offside in the build-up to Gabriel Martinelli's opening goal against Liverpool on Sunday. The Brazilian gave the Gunners the lead after just 60 seconds, although there was some controversy surrounding the goal, with Bukayo Saka appearing to be in a possible offside position in the lead-up.
The possible offside was checked by VAR, however, a conclusive verdict could not be reached due to Saka not being visible in any of the five cameras that are utilised by those at Stockley Park. According to Liverpool Echo, the offside lines could not be virtually drawn to ascertain whether the Arsenal forward had mistimed his run and referee Michael Oliver was therefore left with no other choice than to stick with the on-field decision.
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It was a tight call, and Saka may well not have been onside, but Arsenal certainly benefitted from a rare technical error. However, they may not be quite so lucky next season.
Technological changes will be made next season to help referees with tight offside decisions. As revealed by the Times last month, the Premier League are planning to introduce Semi-Automated Offside Technology (SAOT) from next season after witnessing the success of this approach during this season's Champions League.
The system uses tracking technology, as opposed to the current system, which sees a line drawn on a screen to determine whether a player is offside or not. However, the technology could be introduced as early as later this season, with the report stating that all Premier League clubs will vote on whether to roll out the semi-automated system following the conclusion of the World Cup.
For this to happen, additional cameras will need to be installed at all Premier League stadia. All offside calls that are sent to VAR are currently decided on footage from TV broadcasters, but a move to this more advanced setup would see separate cameras placed under the roof of the stadium, monitoring the precise positions of the ball and players.
Alerts would be sent immediately to VAR as soon as a player strayed offside. If next season's cutting-edge technology was already in place, then Saka may have been adjudged offside in the build-up to Martinelli's goal.
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