Gary Neville has declared that the VAR decision which denied West Ham United a goal against Arsenal represents the most significant moment in the history of the Premier League for the technology. The Gunners secured a narrow victory over the Irons after Callum Wilson's strike was ruled out in the 94th minute.
The Controversial Incident
After the former Newcastle striker found the net, VAR official Darren England deliberated whether referee Chris Kavanagh should review the goal. A crowded penalty area featuring pushing and holding eventually led to Kavanagh being sent to the monitor to determine whether West Ham's Pablo had unfairly impeded Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya.
The official reviewed the incident before announcing to the stadium: "After review, West Ham no.19 commits a foul on the goalkeeper. Final decision, direct free kick."
Neville's Verdict
While the decision was being made, Neville emphasized how critical the moment was for Arsenal's season and for refereeing standards in England. "I have to say, the big striker has got his arm across David Raya. He does disrupt him," he said on commentary. "And is VAR... what are they going to do? This is the biggest moment in VAR history in the Premier League. This is massive."
He continued: "Have VAR got the nerve, the guts, the courage to make the decision? This is massive for refereeing in this country. Arsenal Football Club, their first title in 22 years could rest on this. This is too big to get wrong, I think it is a foul on Raya."
At full time, Neville doubled down on his assessment, suggesting the end of the game would be remembered in Premier League folklore. "If Arsenal are going to go on and win a title, this is the half," he said. "This is the game that will go down in folklore. The late goal, the late VAR decision from Stockley Park from Darren England, and Arsenal get over the line. It's a monumental movement towards a first Premier League title for this great club in 22 years. David Raya gets the hug he deserves from Mikel Arteta."
Reactions from Arsenal Legends
Arsenal icon Ian Wright was pleased to see his former team secure the win and described the foul flagged by VAR as a blessing. However, he believes an earlier moment was more important. "By any means necessary at the minute. We had to stay in it and we had to win the game," he said. "In the end we got it done. The save from David Raya is the save that wins it for us [the title]. Even with the foul, we have seen it now, he has got his arms across him and he is impeding him. It was a like a blessing!"
