Ken Early: Arsenal Will Be The Champions This Fearful Premier League Deserves

The 2025-26 Premier League season concluded with a drama that felt almost too scripted, culminating in Arsenal lifting the trophy. However, the victory was marred by controversy, as West Ham's late equalizer was disallowed for a foul on goalkeeper David Raya. This decision, made by VAR official Darren England, has ignited debate about the consistency and fairness of officiating in the English top flight. The author argues that while a foul may have occurred, the decision to penalize it at such a crucial moment, especially given previous leniency in similar situations, feels unjust to West Ham. This mirrors a sentiment felt across many footballing nations: the beautiful game is increasingly being decided by the cold, often inscrutable, logic of technology, leading to a sense of frustration among fans and players alike who feel the spirit of the game is being lost. The author, writing for The Irish Times, reflects a common European perspective that while VAR aims for accuracy, its application can sometimes detract from the natural flow and emotional core of football, leaving fans questioning the very nature of the sport they love.

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The defining drama of the 2025-26 Premier League season was perfect – if anything a bit too perfect, a bit too on the nose.