Arsenal were relieved to see VAR intervene to deny West Ham a goal that would have dented their title hopes in the final moments of their Premier League clash
Arsenal were saved by VAR in injury time in a pivotal moment for the Gunners’ title aspirations and West Ham’s survival hopes at the London Stadium. The Irons had the ball in the back of the net through Callum Wilson for a late equaliser, before a review took place and Pablo was judged to have fouled Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya.
Leandro Trossard’s strike proved to be the difference in the Premier League clash, but for more than a moment, Mikel Arteta’s side looked to have slipped up in their quest for a first title in more than 20 years. A wave of relief was soon to follow.
Arsenal’s stars quickly moved toward Chris Kavanagh to plead their case as Wilson wheeled away in celebration. VAR Darren England carefully analysed the situation before choosing to send his colleague to the screen for a review.
Tensions were high, but there were jubilant celebrations in the away end as the official announced his decision and effectively confirmed the Gunners had earned another three points.
“After review, West Ham no.19 commits a foul on the goalkeeper. Final decision, direct free kick,” Kavanagh announced to the stadium.
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Gary Neville was quickly convinced during the review. “Pablo there, his arm. Is that going to be given?” he said on Sky Sports’ coverage of the game. “I have to say the big striker does have his arm across David Raya. He does disrupt him.”
Following the game, he said the moment would go down in history. “The drama. If Arsenal are going to go on and win a title, this is the half,” he added.
“This is the game that will go down in folklore. The late goal, the late VAR decision from Stockley Park from Darren England, and Arsenal get over the line.
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“It’s a monumental movement towards a first Premier League title for this great club in 22 years. David Raya gets the hug he deserves from Mikel Arteta.”
Former Manchester United midfielder Roy Keane commended Arsenal’s efforts, but questioned West Ham’s discipline as they cost themselves a goal.
“They found a way and got the job done,” Keane said. “People have been critical of Arsenal in the last two or three years when they blew it, not being good enough mentally or physically.
“It wasn’t great but it was effective. The strength in the squad, players coming off the bench and Rice going back into midfield.
“Then the winning goal, a really good bit of play. You have got to do more of that when teams are defending deep.
“They just about deserved it. West Ham, ill-discipline has cost them. When you go up, just try not to give a foul away because it’ll be checked by VAR.”
Arsenal now sit five points clear of Manchester City with two matches remaining for the Gunners, though Pep Guardiola’s side have a game in hand. Two more wins will see them over the line.
West Ham remain a point behind Tottenham, having played a game more. The Lilywhites face Leeds United on Monday.
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