A dramatic late VAR intervention helped propel Arsenal one step closer to the Premier League title at West Ham's expense, but not everybody agrees with the call. The decision to disallow Callum Wilson's 95th-minute goal for a foul on Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya has sparked intense debate across the football world.
Gary Neville's Verdict
Gary Neville called it "the biggest moment in VAR history in the Premier League" during his commentary on Sky Sports. The fierce debate that followed the decision at The London Stadium will likely rage on for some time as all parties come to terms with the major ramifications in both the title race and the relegation battle.
The Incident
David Raya was adjudged to have been fouled by Pablo during a last-gasp West Ham corner, which resulted in Wilson scoring what would have been an equaliser. It took VAR over four minutes to reach a decision that has left West Ham reportedly on the cusp of lodging an official complaint with PGMOL.
Pundit Reactions
Andy Dunn
First things first, who came up with the 'clear and obvious' stipulation? Clear? Obvious? They are the same thing. When Chris Kavanagh initially allowed the goal to stand, he did not make a clear error. Had it been a clear error, it would have taken far less than four minutes for the VAR team to send Kavanagh to the pitchside monitor. If an error is not clear enough to be picked up fairly instantly, it should be ignored.
John Cross
It was absolutely the right call. And it must go down as the biggest VAR decision in Premier League history because of the impact on both ends of the table. For Arsenal, it might be the moment that decides the title. For West Ham, defeat could end up sending them down. The decision was given for Pablo's arm across David Raya. It is a clear foul. Why it took 17 views and over four minutes is a mystery, as the foul is so clear.
James Whaling
It was undoubtedly a foul. They reached the correct decision. But it's just the latest example of football moving further away from what we all fell in love with. Spontaneity is dead at the top level. Rewind a few years, that goal stands and nobody says anything. Instead, we now have blokes in a truck forensically examining every incident. Those young West Ham fans who lost their minds when Wilson scored should be buzzing at school today, not discussing VAR.
Felix Keith
Two things can be true at once: the right decision was reached, and officiating around set pieces is a mess. The near five-minute delay was excessive, but there was no other outcome. The rumbling debate about Arsenal's use of 'dark arts' isn't relevant here. The various holding offences by Arsenal's defenders didn't directly impact play, but Pablo's hold on Raya did. It is a shame that one of the most crucial moments came down to VAR, but there is no turning back.
Dan Marsh
The thing that baffles me most is the timing. Why did it take almost five minutes to decide? It's quite clear Pablo has a hold of Raya's arm. General antics from set-pieces are becoming a major problem. You could probably give a foul either way from most corners. But whenever an incident like this is debated, nearly everybody says the same thing: ditch VAR. Give me the days of debating human error any day.
Conclusion
The VAR decision has left West Ham furious and Arsenal relieved, with the title race and relegation battle hanging in the balance. While the correct call may have been made, the process and its impact on the game continue to divide opinion.
