Arsenal were relieved that VAR intervention prevented a goal that would have ended West Ham’s title hopes in the final moments of their Premier League clash.
West Ham vs Arsenal goal disallowed due to VAR intervention
Arsenal were saved by VAR in stoppage time at the London Stadium in what was a pivotal moment for the Gunners’ title hopes and West Ham’s survival hopes. The Irons scored a late equaliser, slotting the ball into the back of the net via Callum Wilson, but a review later found Pablo had committed a foul on Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya.
Leandro Trossard’s goal made the difference in the Premier League, but for more than a moment it looked like Mikel Arteta’s side had failed in their bid to win their first title in more than 20 years. A wave of relief immediately washed over me.
Arsenal’s stars immediately launched a lawsuit against Chris Kavanagh as Wilson drove away in celebration. VAR Darren England carefully analyzed the situation and chose to send his colleague to the screen for review.
Tensions were high, but jubilant celebrations broke out on the away side when officials announced the decision, effectively confirming the Gunners had picked up another three points.
Kavanagh announced to the stadium: “After consideration, West Ham number 19 has committed a foul on the goalkeeper.The final decision is a direct free kick.”
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Gary Neville was immediately convinced during his review. “Pablo, there he is, his arm. Can you give it to me?” he said on Sky Sports’ broadcast of the match. “I have to say that the great striker certainly has his arm around David Raya. He certainly thwarts him.”
After the game, he said this moment would go down in history. “It’s drama. If Arsenal are going to keep going and win the title, this is halfway there,” he added.
“This is a legendary game, the late goal, the late VAR decision by Darren England at Stockley Park and Arsenal getting over the line.
Arsenal had West Ham’s goal disallowed (Image: Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
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“This is a monumental move for this great club as they look to win their first Premier League title in 22 years. David Raya gets a well-deserved hug from Mikel Arteta.”
Former Manchester United midfielder Roy Keane praised Arsenal’s effort but questioned West Ham’s discipline which cost them a goal.
“They found a way and got the job done,” Keene said. “In the last couple of years, people have been critical of Arsenal because they weren’t good enough mentally and physically and they lost badly.
“It wasn’t great, but it was effective, the strength of the team, the players coming off the bench and Rice going back into midfield.
“Then the winning goal, it was a really good play. We have to do more when our team is defending deep.”
“They got what they deserved. West Ham, the indiscipline cost them. When you go up, be careful not to give a foul, because it will be checked by VAR.”
Arsenal are currently five points behind Manchester City, with the Gunners having two games in hand, but Josep Guardiola’s side still have a game in hand. Two more wins will get us over the line.
West Ham are still one point ahead of Tottenham. The Lilywhites face Leeds United on Monday.
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