Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer speak out about West Ham’s canceled goal against Arsenal
Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer both agreed that West Ham’s goal against Arsenal was ruled out. (Image: The Rest Is Football/ YouTube screenshot)
Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer agree that West Ham United’s goal, which was ruled out for a foul on Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya, was probably the right call. However, the pair raised concerns about the inconsistent application of the rules, and supporters rushed to social media to highlight similar incidents that have happened against their clubs this season.
Pep Guardiola’s side still have a game in hand against the Gunners, but the canceled goal allowed Mikel Arteta’s side to re-establish a five-point advantage over second-placed Manchester City. However, if Arsenal win their remaining two games, the Premier League title will go to the Emirates.
Speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast, Lineker said: “What a finale that game between West Ham and Arsenal was. It was a bit of a summary of how VAR could decide the league title.”
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“Yeah, that’s what we’re working on,” Shearer said. “Some people will think it’s a foul, some people won’t. Some people will wonder where the consistency is, because you see things like this every week.
“I think it was a foul, but I also think the game against Bernardo Silva at Everton last week was not given in terms of obviously holding down the defender. Where was the VAR in that game?”
“It was also the first game of the season at Old Trafford. But yeah, that’s where we are. But it was probably a foul for me.”
Lineker said: “Probably a foul, but isn’t that what VAR is supposed to be about? If I were a West Ham fan, or indeed a Manchester City fan, I think I would be a bit angry tonight because there were a lot of fouls happening in that corner.”
“Arsenal players kept grappling with West Ham’s attackers. We know the goalkeeper is protected better than anyone and it was probably a foul on him.”
“But then why not look at what happened before when people were detained? Which is probably the more obvious foul. But they turned it around.
“It depends on where the bar is at that point. The bar must be low at the moment for it to tip over. Maybe it was a foul that he had his arms crossed.”
West Ham were adjudged to have fouled Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya before scoring (Image: Getty)
Micah Richards said: “Yeah, but it depends on which camp you’re in. If you’re in Manchester City’s camp, you’ll say it’s not a foul. If you’re in Arsenal’s camp, you’ll say, simple as that, it’s a foul.”
“The broader point you raise is VAR. I don’t want you to use words that ruin our game, because at the end of the day when the title is on the line you want the right decision to be made.
“Do you think perhaps they were affected by the seriousness of the situation?” Mr Lineker asked. “Do you think so? I mean, it took a long time.”
“We have this discussion all the time, but it’s taking too long,” Shearer said. “We know this is a very important decision, but so is every other decision. I’m sure all of our fans will give us screenshots of similar things that happened to them this season, but probably no foul was called.”
“That’s where the anger comes from. Having said that, you have to give credit to Arsenal because it’s clear they’re under a lot of pressure. I thought they started the game really well.”
