By Abigail David

Arsenal and Chelsea were the biggest beneficiaries of VAR and refereeing errors during the 2025-26 Premier League season, according to data released by the league’s Key Match Incidents panel.

Findings obtained by BBC Sport showed Arsenal benefited from seven incorrect officiating decisions across the campaign, while Chelsea recorded the highest positive VAR balance with eight favourable calls.

The report comes after Arsenal won the Premier League title under Mikel Arteta and completed the season without conceding a penalty or receiving a red card.

However, the panel stated that Arsenal should have conceded three penalties and received three red cards during the season.

Chelsea also benefited from several controversial incidents, including a wrongly disallowed goal for Fulham and an incorrect penalty awarded against Crystal Palace.

The panel further noted that Chelsea should have conceded penalties in matches against Brighton & Hove Albion and AFC Bournemouth.

Bournemouth were also listed among clubs that benefited from officiating mistakes, including two separate incidents involving defender Marcos Senesi escaping red cards.

Meanwhile, Crystal Palace and Everton were identified as the clubs most negatively affected by VAR decisions during the campaign.

Everton were reportedly denied penalties in matches against Arsenal, West Ham United and Manchester City, while Crystal Palace suffered three major incorrect decisions.

Despite the controversies, the Premier League recorded 25 VAR errors during the season, an improvement from 31 in the 2023-24 campaign and 38 in 2022-23.

By Abigail David

Ousmane Dembele says Paris Saint-Germain remain determined to win more European titles ahead of Saturday’s UEFA Champions League Final clash with Arsenal.

Speaking at the Puskás Aréna, Dembele said the French champions were focused and motivated to defend the title they won for the first time last season.

According to the forward, PSG’s young squad and coaching staff remain eager to compete for major trophies, including the Champions League, league title and domestic cup competitions.

Dembele said winning major honours consistently is necessary for players who want to be regarded among the best in the game.

The former Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund winger also dismissed fears over a calf injury he suffered earlier in May, insisting he was never worried about missing the final.

He explained that he stopped playing immediately after feeling discomfort and used the recovery period to regain fitness ahead of the decisive match.

Dembele added that although discussions around individual awards continue following his performances for PSG, his primary focus remains helping the club win trophies.

He said the added responsibility since joining PSG has not changed his mentality, stressing that his main ambition is to continue delivering strong performances in both major and smaller matches.

Chelsea are reportedly prepared to sanction their first summer transfer under new manager Xabi Alonso, with goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen set to be allowed to leave Stamford Bridge.

According to BBC Sport, Chelsea are now open to selling the 24-year-old after he expressed a desire to move on in search of regular playing time.

Jorgensen joined Chelsea from Villarreal two seasons ago.

He was originally expected to compete for the number one role with Robert Sanchez but has managed just 11 Premier League appearances across two campaigns.

Although Chelsea blocked a potential exit in the January transfer window, the club are now willing to consider offers, with interest expected from both English and European sides.