Football: Premier League talking points from the weekend

EPL ref dropped after VAR blunder

John Brooks has been dropped as the video assistant referee (VAR) for two league matches – Liverpool v Everton on Monday and Arsenal v Manchester City on Wednesday.

He had wrongly disallowed a goal by Brighton & Hove Albion defender Pervis Estupinan in their 1-1 draw against Crystal Palace on Saturday. On the same day, another VAR, Lee Mason, incorrectly failed to chalk off Ivan Toney’s equaliser for Brentford in the 1-1 draw against Arsenal.

Chief of the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), Howard Webb, arranged a meeting of English top-flight officials on Tuesday after the two weekend VAR errors.

Arsenal need Jesus back soon

Arsenal have coped admirably with the loss of injured forward Gabriel Jesus, but there are signs they need the Brazilian back as soon as possible if they are to stay ahead in the title race.

In consecutive weeks, Everton and Brentford comfortably thwarted Arsenal’s attacking supply lines. Jesus, a veteran of title races with Manchester City, offers creativity, goals and work rate, and has the ability to unlock the tightest of defences.

Manager Mikel Arteta has been reluctant to give a return date, but both he and the fans will know that the Gunners’ title chances will be enhanced considerably if Jesus is available.

Felix offers hope to goal-shy Chelsea

Potter may have found a partial answer to Chelsea’s lack of goals in the form of Portuguese forward Joao Felix, who put the Blues ahead in their 1-1 draw with West Ham in only his second appearance for the club.

Felix, on loan from Atletico Madrid, shone on his debut for Chelsea against Fulham on Jan 13 before he was sent off and had to serve a three-match suspension.

But Potter said his side, who have scored only 23 goals in 22 league games this season, were still a work in progress. REUTERS