West Ham were controversially denied a 95th-minute equalizer in one of the ‘biggest moments in VAR history’. Arsenal led into stoppage time but Callum Wilson’s late goal looked like it would be enough to snatch a point from the relegation-threatened Hammers.
However, celebrations took place inside the London Stadium when referee Chris Kavanagh was sent to the monitor to review the incident involving West Ham’s Pablo and Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya. The referee, with the help of VAR assistant Darren England, ruled that Pablo had committed a foul, and the goal was ruled out, meaning Arsenal’s lead remained intact.
There was plenty of congratulations from Arsenal fans on the trip, but those who persuaded West Ham were left stunned by Kavanagh’s decision. Premier League Match Center revealed the referee’s decision, saying, “As a result of VAR review, the referee overturned the original goal decision to West Ham United.The referee announced, “After review, West Ham’s number 19 committed a foul on the goalkeeper.The final decision was a direct free kick.”
Arsenal, who were sluggish in the first half, finally found a way out in the second half with Leandro Trossard scoring from a cutback from Martin Odegaard. It happened just minutes after Raya made a brilliant one-on-one save to deny Matheus Fernandes what looked like a guaranteed goal.
However, this canceled goal grabbed all the headlines, and opinions are divided as to whether the referee’s decision was correct. Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Premier League referee Darren Cann backed his former colleague’s decision, saying: “It was a foul when Pablo grabbed Raya’s arm and obviously got in Raya’s way.”
“He also had his shirt pulled by Todibo. Unfortunately, I know it’s disappointing for West Ham given the timing of the game, but it was a foul and that’s the bottom line.”
“The arm is on the other side of Raya from Pablo, but crucially he’s grabbing Raya’s arm. He’s not trying to punch the ball, he’s trying to catch the ball. Having an arm on the keeper means he can’t catch the ball, so he’s obviously blocked.”
On the other hand, coach Nuno Espirito Santo said: “Of course we are all upset by the way the game ended. We didn’t pay attention to the replay so as not to be more upset, but we have the referee, we have VAR, and there are past situations that would have made us think differently. I won’t say more than that.”
“Because of recent seasons, things like this are happening and even the referees don’t know what is a foul and what is not a foul. There are a lot of questions and speculations about this.”
If Manchester City drop a point at home to Crystal Palace on Wednesday night, Arsenal could clinch the Premier League title next Monday at home to Burnley.
