ARSENAL were left fuming after Evanilson’s match-winning goal was confirmed by VAR following a lengthy review.
Bournemouth came from behind to beat Mikel Arteta’s side 2-1 and completed their first ever league double over the Gunners.
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The hosts held the advantage at the break thanks to a Declan Rice goal after 34 minutes, but the Cherries turned the game around in the second half.
Dean Huijsen’s header from a long throw brought Bournemouth level in the 67th minute.
Before Evanilson netted a scrappy second after battling Martin Odegaard during a corner routine in the 75th minute.
The striker‘s goal was checked by VAR due to claims from the Arsenal players that the Brazilian had handled the ball.
Stockley Park official Michael Salisbury stuck with the referee’s decision and now the league have explained why.
An X post read: “The referee’s call of goal was checked and confirmed by VAR – with no conclusive evidence that Evanilson handled the ball before scoring.”
And former England goalkeeper Robert Green agreed with the decision.
Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, Green said: “In the VAR booth there’s no evidence to say it’s off the hand. It’s not conclusive.”
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Evanilson was initially suspended for the match before the FA overturned his red card against Manchester United during the week.
The result is a huge boost to Bournemouth’s European hopes as they jumped up to eighth in the Premier League table.
Should the Cherries stay there and Manchester City win the FA Cup, Andoni Iraola’s side would likely qualify for the Europa Conference League.
Arsenal fans were fuming with Arteta’s starting line-up before kick-off.
The Spaniard fielded his strongest XI against the Cherries, with a huge second-leg clash against PSG to come on Wednesday.
His team included all the key players from Bukayo Saka to William Saliba and Myles Lewis-Skelly.
This is a far cry from the decision taken by PSG boss Luis Enrique, who leads 1-0 from the first leg.
The Spaniard made TEN changes to his Parisian side that secured their 13th Ligue 1 title a few weeks back.
