Arsenal and Man City set the early pace as VAR drama continues

Arsenal and Manchester City lead the way

Arsenal and Manchester City have both taken four straight wins to start the season. They have already opened up a four point lead over fourth place Hull City. It looks like the Premier League title will end up with either Mikel Arteta or the new Manchester City coach, Enzo Maresca.

Chelsea have a strong attack but a vulnerable defense. This leaves Arsenal and City out on their own. Both teams have 12 points. Arsenal beat Sunderland 2-0 on Saturday, helped by a great goal from Bruno Guimarães. City won their derby 1-0 against Manchester United at Old Trafford, despite Phil Foden getting sent off in the first half.

Arsenal have been very steady since winning the league last season. David Raya saved a penalty from Enzo Le Fée, while Martin Ødegaard and Bukayo Saka are in great form. Meanwhile, Liverpool are struggling under Andoni Iraola, and Manchester United have started poorly under Michael Carrick.

Promoted teams make an early impact

This year's promoted teams have collectively earned 14 points from four matches. Hull City are undefeated with eight points. They drew 2-2 at Chelsea, where Mohamed-Ali Cho had a late shot saved by Emiliano Martínez. Hull manager Sergej Jakirović is still keeping his targets realistic, saying survival remains the goal.

Ipswich Town are 10th with six points after winning 3-2 at Crystal Palace, thanks to a late goal by Zian Flemming. However, Coventry City have zero points and lost 5-0 at home to Brighton on Sunday. Collectively, the promoted teams spent around 557 million euros this summer, compared to 434 million euros spent by last year's promoted clubs.

VAR controversies spark anger

Officiating was a major talking point again. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was angry about a penalty awarded against his team when Ezri Konsa was judged to have fouled Dan Ballard. Replays showed Ballard was actually fouling Konsa. Arteta said, "We have a lot of cameras and VAR, we have to take responsibility to protect the game. Today the game was unprotected, and it could have cost us the game and the momentum which is a really, really serious thing."

Manchester United were also unhappy with Erling Haaland's winning goal for City. The referees' body, Pro Ref, later admitted an error of judgement was made. The VAR allowed the goal because Patrick Dorgu played Haaland onside, but they ignored Enzo Fernández interfering with play. United manager Michael Carrick called the decision worrying.