EPL Review: Atrocious refereeing, Arsenal's grit, and other stories

PL weekend recap: PGMOL apology to United, VAR rows, Chelsea held by Hull, Brighton rise and Liverpool’s Anfield draw.

Erling Haaland bundled the ball home from close range to hand Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday. Replays show Haaland and Enzo Fernández in an offside position, but the VAR overturned the on-field decision to award the goal. (Photo credit: GOAL)

The match day center, an account responsible for match official performances in the Premier League, released a statement late on Sunday to apologize to Manchester United for the error in judgment in the decision to award Manchester City a contentious goal against them.

There's a lot to unpack from the atrocious refereeing in the Premier League this weekend. The weekend's atrocious refereeing in the Premier League included John Brooks' handling of the Arsenal game at Sunderland, various incidents around Premier League grounds, and the horrendous finale at Old Trafford on Sunday.

The penalty awarded to Sunderland at the Stadium of Light was contentious to say the least. All eyes could see that Dan Ballard and Ezri Konsa engaged in mutual holding, but referee John Brooks pointed to the spot, and his VAR officials stood with him.

There was an incident involving Granit Xhaka and Konsa, which should have seen the two players boked, but referee Brooks booked Gabriel Magalhaes for trying to settle the brawl, with Xhaka already on a yellow before the incident.

To the one that happened at Old Trafford. The officials have successfully convinced everyone that Erling Haaland was onside due to Patrick Dorgu's involvement in the sequence, but how was Enzo Fernandes excused from the scene when he clearly interfered in the gameplay?

Away from the atrocious officiating, the league table is taking shape, and Sunday's incident must have felt like a kick in the teeth for Manchester United, now eight points behind Arsenal and Manchester City.

Chelsea dropped points again at home to Hull City. The Blues maintained their early goal culture but soon fell behind some brave performances from the Tigers. A late goal saved a point for the Blues in front of their home fans.

Brighton continues their surge in the league with another big win away at Coventry City. The home side must feel hard done by the red card to Taiwo Awoniyi, but it's a delight to the Seagulls, who are now in the top four of the Premier League.

Liverpool continues to struggle. Fulham had lost their opening three games under Álvaro Arbeloa, but the Lilywhites were the better side at Anfield on Saturday. The goalless draw means Liverpool is now six points off the top of the league after only four games.

Monday night football will see Newcastle visit Leeds United at Elland Road. A win for the Magpies or the Whites could see them move up to third on the log on eight points. How will things pan out at Elland Road?