Arsenal handed major ‘biggest VAR decision in history’ reprieve to take giant step towards Premier League glory
Arsenal maintained their Premier League title push with a narrow 1-0 victory at West Ham on Sunday.
However, the Gunners needed a big helping hand from VAR in a dramatic conclusion at the London Stadium.
Mikel Arteta’s side are five points clear of Manchester City with just two matches remaining.
Although their title rivals have a game in hand, Arsenal remain in control of their own destiny after beating the Hammers.
Leandro Trossard’s 83rd minute strike proved to be the winner after the visitors had been frustrated for much of the afternoon.
The Belgian’s goal came just minutes after David Raya pulled off a crucial stop to deny Mateus Fernandes for the hosts.
Raya was finally beaten in stoppage time, though, as a West Ham corner dropped to Callum Wilson.
His powerful effort from the edge of the box was cleared by Declan Rice, but only after it had crossed the line.
However, a nervous VAR check followed with replays showing Hammers striker Pablo had appeared to foul Raya.
The forward could be seen holding the Spaniard’s arm as he attempted to catch the corner.
Referee Chris Kavanagh was subsequently sent to the pitchside monitor to review the incident before ruling out the goal.
Arsenal were able to hold on after the lengthy delay to take another huge step towards their first title in 22 years.
‘Biggest moment in VAR history’
Reacting to the incident live on Sky Sports, Gary Neville exclaimed: “The biggest moment in VAR history in the Premier League.
“They are checking a foul on the goalkeeper.”
Following the final whistle, he added: “The drama. If Arsenal are going to go on and win a title, this is the half. 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.”
Meanwhile, the importance of the result was not lost on former Arsenal winger Perry Groves.
Reacting on talkSPORT’s GameDay Live, he admitted: “We got away with it,” but agreed the VAR decision was correct.
It came after a lengthy delay whilst the incident was reviewed both at Stockley Park and on the pitchside monitor.
The Premier League Match Centre also provided an explanation for the decision on social media.
A post on X read: “After VAR review, the referee overturned the original decision of goal to West Ham United.
“Referee announcement: ‘After review, West Ham number 19 commits a foul on the goalkeeper. Final decision is direct free-kick.”
West Ham woes
Whilst the result strengthens Arsenal’s title hopes, their opponents have edged closer to the dreaded drop.
West Ham remain in the relegation zone and a point adrift of Tottenham Hotspur with just two matches remaining.
Spurs also have a game in hand against Leeds United on Monday night, live on talkSPORT.
The result also confirms Leeds, Nottingham Forest and Crystal Palace‘s top-flight statuses for another season.
Relegation would end the Hammers’ 14-year stay in the Premier League following their immediate return in 2012.
Nuno Espirito Santo’s side travel to St. James’ Park to face Newcastle United next weekend.
They then host Leeds at the London Stadium on the final day of the season.
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