Arsenal’s fortuitous victory over West Ham came thanks to the help of VAR officials, who intervened to rule out what appeared to be a late Hammers equalizer.
Referee Chris Kavanagh ruled out Callum Wilson’s goal (Image: Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
Manager Peter Schmeichel has slammed the decision to have a late goal in Arsenal’s narrow win over West Ham ruled out by a foul on David Raya, pointing out that the Gunners have deployed similar set-piece tactics all season.
Leandro Trossard’s 83rd-minute goal at the London Stadium gave Arsenal a valuable lead and brought them one step closer to winning the Premier League. But drama ensued when Callum Wilson appeared to have equalized in the 95th minute for the Hammers, who are battling to avoid relegation.
West Ham’s joy was short-lived as Pablo was spotted grabbing Raya’s arm as he dived for the ball after VAR reviewed replays of the incident and referee Chris Kavanagh subsequently recommended an on-field review after disallowing the goal.
But legendary former Manchester United goalkeeper Schmeichel pointed out that Arsenal, the Premier League’s most prolific team from set-pieces, would be far from at the top of the league if such actions were considered a foul.
read more: Mikel Arteta praises ‘brave’ officials after VAR decision gives Arsenal decisive victory over West Hamread more: Gary Neville makes massive claim on VAR after West Ham vs Arsenal drama
“Today’s decision is very wrong on many levels,” the Dane told Viaplay. “What really pisses me off is that if it was a free-kick, Arsenal would never be at the top of the league.
“That’s how they’ve scored so many goals, blocking people, holding people, doing everything they can to get us to this point…VAR takes five minutes.
“Darren England, the VAR guy,[he]takes five minutes. He starts replaying it over and over again. That in itself casts great doubt on that decision. It couldn’t have been a free-kick, it couldn’t have been.”
VAR deemed Pablo to have fouled David Raya (Image: Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
Schmeichel continued: “I think it’s very wrong. I don’t understand why it’s suddenly a free kick, because there haven’t been any free kicks for any team all season.”
“All of this is just crazy, and today’s decision is just wrong on many levels.”
Schmeichel wasn’t the only one to question VAR’s intervention on West Ham captain Jarrod Bowen, as he did in his post-match interview.
However, manager Mikel Arteta praised the courage of the match officials in making such a big decision. “I think the call from the referee was very brave, but it’s very consistent with what they’ve been talking about all season. So when I have to be critical, I have been. And it was a free kick and the goal was disallowed. So they made a big call in a very difficult situation, so congratulations.”
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