Martin Keown has reignited his feud with Peter Schmeichel after the former Manchester United goalkeeper criticised a VAR decision that went in Arsenal's favour during their crucial Premier League clash with West Ham United. The Gunners secured a dramatic victory at the London Stadium when West Ham's stoppage-time equaliser was ruled out following a lengthy VAR review, sparking widespread debate.
Schmeichel's Criticism
Peter Schmeichel, speaking after the match, described the decision as "so wrong on so many levels." He argued that Arsenal's success from set pieces this season has been built on blocking and holding opponents, and that the VAR intervention was inconsistent with how such incidents have been handled throughout the campaign. "What really makes me angry is that Arsenal would never be top of the league if that's a free-kick," Schmeichel said. "That's how they've scored so many goals, by blocking people, holding people, doing all kinds of things."
Keown's Response
Former Arsenal defender Martin Keown hit back during an appearance on talkSPORT, accusing Schmeichel of bias. "He's angry because it's Arsenal," Keown said. "Did he not play for Manchester City? Did he not play for Manchester United? The current rivals and the former rivals of Arsenal." Keown defended the VAR decision, insisting that the foul on Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya was clear. "He's holding his arm! I'd like to think I'm a fair man, this is a just decision. What's remarkable is that it's a goalkeeper affected by this… if it had happened to him [Schmeichel] then he'd have been screaming from the rooftops that that's a foul."
The Controversial Incident
The incident occurred in stoppage time when West Ham's Callum Wilson thought he had scored an equaliser that would have handed Manchester City a lifeline in the title race. However, after a VAR check lasting nearly five minutes, the goal was ruled out because West Ham's Pablo was adjudged to have fouled Raya by grappling with him. Replays showed that while there were multiple incidents in the box, the initial foul on the goalkeeper took precedence.
Schmeichel questioned the length of the VAR review, noting that referee Darren England took five minutes to reach a decision. "He starts it over again and starts it over again and again… that in itself puts so much doubt into that decision that it cannot be a free-kick," Schmeichel said. "I just don't understand why all of a sudden that's a free-kick, because it's not been for any teams all the way throughout the season."
Keown countered by highlighting Schmeichel's history with Arsenal's rivals. "He's angry because it's Arsenal," Keown repeated. "If he is still playing and he gets fouled to that degree… come on, it's ridiculous."
Title Race Implications
The decision has significant implications for the Premier League title race, with Arsenal now holding a crucial advantage over Manchester City. The Gunners have been particularly effective from set pieces this season, scoring numerous goals through their aggressive tactics in the opposition box. Critics argue that this style of play has not been consistently penalised, but Keown maintains that the decision against West Ham was correct.
As the debate continues, the football world remains divided on whether VAR was right to intervene. Arsenal fans will celebrate the narrow escape, while others, including Schmeichel, believe the decision could set a dangerous precedent. For now, the Gunners march on, with Keown firmly in their corner.
