Mikel Arteta praises “brave” officiating after Callum Wilson’s 95th-minute equalizer is overturned; Gunners now two wins away from first Premier League trophy in 22 years.
Arsenal survived what Gary Neville described as the “biggest moment in VAR history” to secure a pulse-pounding 1-0 victory over West Ham United on Sunday, moving a massive step closer to their first Premier League title since 2004.
In a match that seemed destined for a script-flipping twist, West Ham’s Callum Wilson appeared to have handed the title-race advantage back to Manchester City when he smashed home a 95th-minute equalizer following a frantic corner. However, the celebrations at the London Stadium were cut short by a lengthy and tension-filled VAR review that will likely be debated for years to come.
The drama began the moment the ball hit the net. Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya immediately led a wave of protests, claiming he had been impeded while attempting to claim the initial cross. Replays suggested that West Ham forward Pablo had restricted Raya’s arm as the goalkeeper jumped, causing the ball to spill into Wilson’s path.
After a grueling delay, VAR official Darren England advised referee Chris Kavanagh to review the footage at the pitchside monitor. Kavanagh subsequently overturned the goal, sparking scenes of relief on the Arsenal bench and fury among the home supporters.
“This is the game that will go down in folklore,” Neville said on Sky Sports commentary. “It’s a monumental movement towards a first Premier League title for this great club in 22 years.”
Gunners boss Mikel Arteta, who has been a vocal critic of officiating in the past, was quick to credit the refereeing team for their composure under extreme pressure.
“You need a lot of courage and bravery to stand out and give the opportunity to the referee to have a look at the action,” Arteta said. “When you see the picture, there is no question that it is a clear foul. The action deserved that.”
Former Arsenal striker Ian Wright echoed those sentiments, admitting his heart was in his mouth during the review. “Everything flashed before my eyes,” Wright confessed. “But David Raya catches that simply if he is not impeded. In this instance, VAR did its job.”
The sentiment was not shared in the West Ham dressing room. Captain Jarrod Bowen expressed frustration at the length of the review, suggesting that officials were “looking for something” to disqualify the goal.
“When you look at the screen for five minutes you’ll find something—a lot of grappling and a lot of holding,” Bowen told the BBC. “Do I think it’s the right decision? No.”
The result leaves Arsenal five points clear of Manchester City, though City still hold a game in hand. The equation for the North London side is now simple: maximum points from their final two fixtures against Burnley and Crystal Palace will guarantee them the Premier League trophy.
Leandro Trossard’s 84th-minute strike proved to be the winning goal, but the afternoon will forever be remembered for the five minutes of VAR-induced silence that kept Arsenal’s title dreams alive.
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