A VAR-dominated weekend ended with plenty of questions and answers surrounding Premier League teams, managers and the title race.

Another action-packed weekend ended in the Premier League, which saw plenty of controversies, stock rising and falling while experiencing changes in the standings. VAR took charge at the top in terms of creating controversy after controversy in one weekend, but there were some top-notch performances on display.

Saturday was a day when the top teams collapsed, while Sunday witnessed Arsenal make a statement win away at Newcastle United. Liverpool fans thought they could potentially open up an eight-point gap at the top, only for it to be just two, while Manchester United’s woes continued.

Here we are also looking at Chelsea’s issues on and off the pitch, as there are big question marks over their transfer window. Meanwhile, Sunderland also make the list this week following their rise in the top flight, which is pretty much unheard of in Premier League circles over the last many years when it comes to newly-promoted sides.

Manchester United are in big trouble, and more specifically, Ruben Amorim, while neighbors Manchester City are learning to fly, again. Let us take a look at some of the things we observed during the latest Premier League matchday weekend.

VAR/PGMOL are creating more havoc than solutions in the Premier League

VAR has become a necessity, and most cannot imagine football anymore without it. While there is an acceptance that it cannot be perfect, the issue at hand is the system cannot be this imperfect, which it has been in the Premier League. The bigger issue is not having clarity on what the rules are when it comes to VAR decisions, and whether it can influence an on-field referee.

The Arsenal game saw a penalty denied to Viktor Gyokeres, when the viewers claimed there was conclusive evidence it was a spot-kick. Jarrad Gillett’s on-field decision was a penalty, but VAR intervened, and after a protracted review, it was overturned.

The issue is that VAR continues to change their interpretation of penalties in scenarios that could be deemed identical. For instance, Fulham were faced with a similar dilemma against Aston Villa, where Emiliano Martinez appeared to take down Josh King inside the box. The difference between this incident and the Gyokeres one is that the former was not deemed to be a penalty, and VAR stuck with the on-field decision as it was not seen as a “clear and obvious” error from the official.

The same could be argued for Arsenal, as Gillett’s call for a penalty was not a clear and obvious error from the on-field referee. So why did VAR put the challenge under the microscope and dig out ways to overturn it, or at least that is how the interpretation was for the fans.

That aside, the Manchester United game also produced a controversial moment, as Nathan Collins gave away a penalty but was not charged for DOGSO. So why was Trevoh Chalobah sent off in Chelsea’s game against Brighton & Hove Albion for an identical foul?

The Fulham game also saw a host of decisions going against the Cottagers, which many will claim is a theme from VAR when it comes to the West Londoners. Overall, there are big questions over VAR asked just this weekend, and there are no clear indications that the PGMOL is about to do something about it.

Our view on the VAR situation is that the system is not the problem, but the personnel are. There needs to be a shakeup over at PGMOL, especially at Stockley Park, as the game currently needs experts in the field rather than regular on-field referees handling the video booth.

Arsenal make a statement as Liverpool stumble

It is not ideal to read the Premier League table so early in the season, but giving it a glance after Gameweek 6 does tell a story. Liverpool, after five wins in five, looked to assert their dominance at the top. Some may argue that they have ridden their luck so far with multiple late goals in most of their games, barring the Merseyside Derby.

However, Arsenal, on the other hand, have received ample criticism for many things they have done. Mikel Arteta’s side faced scrutiny over selections, tactics, being defensive, and even celebrating the late equaliser against Manchester City in the dying embers of the game at the Emirates.

The overriding expectation this weekend was for Liverpool to win their game, and Arsenal to succumb to the pressure of St. James’ Park. Such a scenario would have opened up an eight-point gap for Arne Slot’s side at the top, and the argument would have been turned around in Arsenal’s direction about their ability to challenge for the Premier League title.

However, with Liverpool losing out to Crystal Palace, and Arsenal winning their clash with Newcastle United in a way that Liverpool have done all season, at the death, it has brought about a change in expectations from either side. For Mikel Arteta’s men, the idea is to build on this positive momentum and make themselves even bigger in the title race.

As for Liverpool, they are somewhat under pressure after Arsenal closed the gap to just two points at the top of the Premier League table. The bigger question is about some of their summer recruits as well as the defensive setup, which is currently considered thin for a title challenge or other honours.

Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz were underwhelming once again, which is a bit of a worry given Slot would need them fit and firing in situations precisely like the one against Crystal Palace at the weekend. Overall, we have a big title race ahead, while one should not rule out Manchester City from it.

The contrasting sides of Manchester

Manchester United showed early promise, while Manchester City were ruled out of having any chance of a Premier League title challenge after their early results against Tottenham and Brighton & Hove Albion. However, while the fortunes of the red side of the city continue to go downhill, the blue end continues to rise in stature.

Manchester United have bafflingly failed to win two Premier League games in a row since the start of last season, which includes their entire reign under Ruben Amorim. While some may argue their result against Brentford should have been different owing to a mistake by VAR in not awarding a red card to Nathan Collins, their displays have cast doubts over their performances.

The loss to Brentford showcased plenty of deficiencies in their system, style of play and individual ability to come good in clashes. The pressure is truly back on Amorim, as it has once again become something of a matter of time before INEOS decides to sack him, as the fan view is currently to get rid of the Portuguese manager.

However, over at the Etihad, Manchester City continued to put in concerted performances to showcase their title credentials. While it is still early days to judge their absolute mettle to challenge Liverpool and Arsenal, Pep Guardiola’s side have shown plenty of promise in the last few weeks, including the valuable point against Arsenal away at the Emirates.

Enzo Maresca under pressure and the Chelsea questions

Chelsea have questions to answer, particularly with how they have started their season. In light of winning the Club World Cup and building a perception that they are good enough to challenge for the Premier League at the very least, given their enormous spending in every summer window under the new owners, the Blues have underwhelmed so far.

Given they had an easier run in the first six games compared to their rivals like Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool. Some even expected Chelsea to add pressure to their rivals’ credentials, as there were suggestions they could potentially win all six of their opening games.

However, that was not the case as the Blues have now lost back-to-back games in the league, their Champions League opener and struggled to win the Carabao Cup opener. Maresca was not at fault for the two red cards that cost them consecutive games, but his tactics have been questioned, particularly with some baffling substitutions.

External rumours have added fuel to the fire, after suggestions that the players, particularly one Cole Palmer, are unhappy with the Italian’s tactics. However, the bigger question has been asked about Chelsea’s transfer window, as they sold two of their settled attackers in Noni Madueke and Nicolas Jackson in a trade-off for younger, and somewhat unproven stars such as Joao Pedro, Jamie Gittens and Liam Delap.

More baffling was their decision to stick with an inconsistent defensive setup and not strengthen after the season-ending ACL injury to Levi Colwill. Jorrel Hato has not shown anything that reflected on his reputation before he came to Stamford Bridge, while those like Benoit Badiashile, Wesley Fofana, Tosin Adarabioyo, and Josh Acheampong are too inconsistent for a team primed to challenge.

The big question about Chelsea and their transfer business and whether they have spent the money wisely. There are no signs of players coming good at this moment, especially with the mounting pressure to perform and justify another summer of elaborate spending. The next few weeks will determine their credentials and possibly tell us more about what the Blues think of Maresca, with the pressure very much on the Italian manager.

Sunderland and Crystal Palace have surprised

The Premier League has had a common theme over the last few years, which has seen such teams immediately going back down to the Championship. Last season, that was the case, as Ipswich Town, Leicester City, and Southampton all went down after being promoted at the end of the 2023/24 season.

However, those that achieved promotion last season have done exceptionally well, as Burnley and Leeds United have shown ample promise, but it is Sunderland that is making the headlines. Regis Le Bris has done an exceptional job against expectations, and the team are currently sitting in fifth in the standings.

Granit Xhaka has been a sensational signing, with a hand in three assists, with each of those actions resulting in seven points so far. It has been an incredible decision to bring the Swiss international back to the Premier League, and he could be the catalyst for them to stand a chance to flourish this season.

Given their current place in the standings, it is difficult not to place expectations on Sunderland to challenge for a European place. However, even a top-half finish would be deemed as a brilliant season, and they have plenty of promise in that regard.

Then there are Crystal Palace. Oliver Glasner was steadfast in his approach during the summer, using his leverage to keep hold of stars like Marc Guehi and Adam Wharton. However, he has showcased that he can coach a team to make Palace into something important in the Premier League.

Glasner has orchestrated an elaborate 19-game winning run, the best in Crystal Palace’s history, that includes wins over Liverpool at the weekend and the FA Cup Final against Manchester City. This is a team full of individual performers in a starting lineup that is flourishing under the Austrian tactician.

They have already shown the mettle to go and win the UEFA Europa Conference League with their quality, but on current form, one cannot rule out a good shout for a UEFA Champions League place at the end of the campaign. There will be question marks over sustainability. But at this moment, we cannot doubt Palace and their ability to have their best league season in their history.