Arsenal won a controversial late game against West Ham on Sunday after a stoppage-time equalizer was disallowed due to VAR checks at the London Stadium.
Mikel Arteta praised those involved after Arsenal beat West Ham on Sunday (Image: CameraSport via Getty Images)
Former Premier League assistant referee Darren Cann suggested keeping attacking players out of the goal area before a corner kick. His comments came in the wake of Sunday’s controversial VAR incident in the final moments of Arsenal’s thrilling 1-0 win against West Ham United.
The Gunners took the lead in the 83rd minute through Leandro Trossard, but the hosts thought 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. It has emerged that Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya was fouled by West Ham forward Pablo.
read more: Furious Peter Schmeichel is furious at VAR and accuses Arsenal of hypocrisyread more: David Raya immediately comments on Arsenal team-mates after VAR intervention against West Ham
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.
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“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.”
Hammers’ equalizer was disallowed due to VAR review during West Ham United vs Arsenal match
Meanwhile, manager Arteta praised those involved in Sunday’s game 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.”
Former Premier League assistant referee Darren Cann gives his opinion on the incident (Image: Getty Images)
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The Spaniard acknowledged the weight of his decision as Arsenal seek to win their first Premier League title since 2004 and West Ham struggle to avoid falling.
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, Tottenham Hotspur host Leeds United on Monday night (8pm CET) and can take a four-point lead, so the Hammers’ stay at the top of the table is no longer in their hands.
