Mikel Arteta praised the match officials after a controversial VAR decision helped Arsenal secure a 1-0 victory over West Ham United at the London Stadium. Leandro Trossard scored the only goal in the 83rd minute, but the match was decided deep into stoppage time when a goal from West Ham substitute Callum Wilson was disallowed following a VAR review.
The video assistant referee, Darren England, identified a foul by West Ham's Pablo on Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya during the build-up. Referee Chris Kavanagh reviewed the incident on the pitchside monitor and overturned the on-field decision to award the goal. The result leaves Arsenal five points clear of Manchester City at the top of the Premier League, while West Ham remain in the relegation zone.
Arteta described the decision as 'very brave' and consistent with guidelines discussed throughout the season. '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,' he said. '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 expressed frustration over the inconsistency of 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.'
