Mikel Arteta praised the officials for being 'brave' after a controversial VAR decision handed Arsenal a vital victory over West Ham in the Premier League title race. The Gunners held on to a precious 1-0 win after West Ham had a 95th-minute equaliser disallowed following a lengthy VAR check.
VAR Decision Sparks Debate
Referee Chris Kavanagh ruled out Callum Wilson's goal after reviewing the replay 17 times on the VAR screen, deeming that West Ham substitute Pablo had fouled Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya. The entire process took four minutes and 17 seconds, leaving West Ham furious and Arsenal relieved.
Leandro Trossard had scored Arsenal's 83rd-minute winner, putting the Gunners five points clear at the top of the table and pushing West Ham closer to relegation. The decision could prove pivotal in both the title race and the relegation battle.
Arteta's Reaction
Speaking after the match, Arteta said: 'A call from the refs that I think is very brave, but very consistent with what they've been talking about all season. When I have to be critical, I have been. It is a free kick and the goal has to be disallowed. So congratulations because they made a big call in very, very difficult circumstances.'
He added: 'Probably today I have realised how difficult and how big the referee's job is. Because you're talking about a moment that can decide the history, the course, of two massive clubs that are fighting with their lives to achieve their objectives. The pressure is huge.'
Arteta concluded: 'I feel so happy, so proud. Relieved as well, because we knew the difficulty of the game. But we've done it. It's been a phenomenal week in every sense.'
West Ham's Fury
West Ham manager Nuno Espirito Santo was incensed, insisting the goal should have stood and that the inconsistency in officiating leaves 'everyone confused.' Hammers captain Jarrod Bowen echoed the frustration, saying: 'A real blow. We thought we'd done so well to get back in it and had it taken away from us. When you look at the screen for five minutes you'll find something - a lot of grappling and a lot of holding.'
Bowen added: 'I'm sure if you look long enough you'll find something. Do I think it's the right decision? No. Frustration. Where's the consistency? It's going to be tough now. We never say never at this club. We have two games left. We did a lot of good things today. We have to win.'
Title Race and Relegation Battle
Arsenal face Burnley and Crystal Palace in their final two league games as they aim to win the Premier League title for the first time in 22 years. West Ham, meanwhile, need a favour from Leeds when they travel to 17th-placed Tottenham, who sit a point above the Hammers, on Monday night.
