The Gunners held a 1-0 lead through Leandro Trossard’s 83rd-minute goal, but the hosts believed they had grabbed a vital equalizer in stoppage time. Substitute Callum Wilson scored from a corner kick into a packed penalty box.
However, the goal was disallowed by referee Chris Kavanagh after a lengthy VAR review, with Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya deemed to have been fouled by West Ham forward Pablo.
Mr Cann later spoke on BBC Radio 5 Live about how incidents like this in east London could be prevented, and suggested possible rule changes.
“I think there’s just too much skirmishing in the corners overall. My opinion, which I’ve been saying for three years now, is that attacking players shouldn’t be allowed into the goal area before a corner kick. That would create a natural separation between defenders and attackers and stop the crossing before the ball is played,” he said.
“If the ball is not in play, you can’t give a defensive free-kick or a penalty, so if you pull the players apart you’ll stop this constant pushing and grappling in the corners.
“A simple legal change requiring attackers to start from outside the goal area would avoid situations like this.”
Meanwhile, manager Mikel Arteta praised the officials at Sunday’s match following the serious incident.
The 44-year-old said: “It was a very brave decision and it was in line with what they have been talking about all season. When we have to be critical, we have been.”
“I have to give credit to them for at least giving the referee more options this time, away from the lights and confusion, and giving him the clarity to make the right call.”
The Spanish manager acknowledged the weight of his decision, which comes at a time when Arsenal are aiming for their first Premier League title since 2004 and West Ham are fighting to avoid relegation.
He added: “If you look, it’s a clear foul, a free kick and the goal should have been disallowed. So congratulations, they made a big decision in a very, very difficult situation.”
“Now I understand how difficult and how big the referee’s job is, because we are talking about the history of two huge clubs that are fighting to the death to achieve their goals, moments that could decide their course.”
The Gunners need two more wins to be crowned Premier League champions.
Meanwhile, the Hammers’ survival at the top of the table is no longer in their hands as Tottenham have the chance to extend their lead by four points by hosting Leeds on Monday night.
