Premier League make huge announcement ahead of Arsenal and Liverpool title race run-in

The Premier League have confirmed that semi-automated offside technology (SAOT) will be introduced on Saturday, April 12 after non-live testing and live operation in FA Cup in time for the title race run-in between Arsenal and Liverpool.

The technology was first introduced in England this season for the FA Cup fifth round but only for fixtures at Premier League stadiums. It was also deployed in the FA Cup quarter-final, with the exception being Championship club Preston North End's clash against Aston Villa at Deepdale.

A Premier League statement read: "The Premier League will introduce semi-automated offside technology on Saturday 12 April (Match Round 32). This follows non-live testing in the Premier League and live operation in the FA Cup this season.

"Semi-automated offside technology automates key elements of the offside decision-making process to support the video assistant referee (VAR). It provides more efficient placement of the virtual offside line, using optical player tracking, and generates virtual graphics to ensure an enhanced in-stadium and broadcast experience for fans.

"The technology maintains the integrity of the process while enhancing the speed, efficiency, and consistency of offside decision-making.

"The Premier League has worked in collaboration with PGMOL and sports data and technology company Genius Sports to develop the new semi-automated offside technology system."

Manchester City's game against Crystal Palace at the Etihad Stadium will be the first time the technology is used in the Premier League. That is the 12:30pm kick-off on April 12.

The first time Arsenal have use of the semi-automated technology will be when they host Brentford on April 12 at 5:30pm. Chelsea, meanwhile, face Ipswich Town on April 13 at 2pm as they prepare to have the technology for the first time and Tottenham travel to Wolves in the same matchweek on April 13 at 2pm.

Semi-automated offside technology was introduced to major competitions in 2022, but did not make its debut in English football until the 2024/25 campaign. There was hope that it could be implemented for the start of the season but it had since been delayed until March when it was trailed in the FA Cup.

But when SAOT comes into the Premier League, there will be just seven matches to go for 18 of the 20 Premier League teams. While Arsenal are a little way adrift of Liverpool right now, the implementation of SAOT could have a major impact in the title race, especially as Arsenal have fumed over some offside decisions in the past.

The gap between Arsenal and Liverpool stands at 12 points, but Mikel Arteta's side can cut that to nine with a win over Fulham on Tuesday night. They will be hoping Arteta's former club Everton can do them a favour when they travel across Stanley Park to face Liverpool on Wednesday.