Mikel Arteta praised the video assistant referee (VAR) for a 'brave' decision that helped Arsenal secure a 1-0 victory over West Ham United, moving them five points clear at the top of the Premier League table. Leandro Trossard scored the only goal in the 83rd minute, but the match was decided deep into stoppage time when a West Ham equaliser was disallowed after a VAR review.
In the 95th minute, substitute Callum Wilson thought he had scored from a corner, but VAR Darren England spotted a foul by Pablo on goalkeeper David Raya. Referee Chris Kavanagh reviewed 17 replays at the pitchside monitor and ruled out the goal. Arteta described the decision as 'very brave' and consistent with what officials have discussed all season.
“It was in the most chaotic circumstances when two teams are playing for their lives,” Arteta said. “It’s a call from the refs that I think is very brave but very consistent with what they’ve been talking about all season. When you look at the action in that way, I think it is an obvious error. The goal has to be disallowed. So congratulations because they made a big call in very, very difficult circumstances.”
West Ham manager Nuno Espírito Santo was surprisingly calm but criticised the lack of consistency in refereeing decisions. “All of us don’t understand what is a foul,” he said. “Even the referees confuse themselves. Sometimes, it is; sometimes, it is not. It is upsetting and frustrating for us today. It’s a lack of consistency. The Premier League have to solve it.”
The result leaves Arsenal five points clear of Manchester City, having played one more game, while West Ham remain in the relegation zone, one point behind Tottenham. Both teams have two league matches remaining.
