Arsenal F.C. were handed a major lifeline by VAR deep into stoppage time at the London Stadium, in a moment that could prove decisive for both the title race and West Ham United F.C.’s battle for survival. The hosts thought they had secured a dramatic late equaliser when Callum Wilson found the net, only for the goal to be ruled out after a review determined that Pablo had fouled Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya in the build-up.
Leandro Trossard’s earlier strike ultimately separated the sides in the Premier League encounter, though for several tense moments Mikel Arteta’s team appeared on the verge of dropping crucial points in their pursuit of a first league title in more than two decades. Relief quickly swept through the Arsenal players once the decision was overturned.
As Wilson celebrated what seemed to be a dramatic equaliser, Arsenal’s players immediately surrounded referee Chris Kavanagh to appeal for a foul. VAR official Darren England reviewed the incident before advising Kavanagh to consult the pitchside monitor, leading to the decisive intervention.
Tensions were high, but there were jubilant celebrations in the away end as the official announced his decision and effectively confirmed the Gunners had earned another three points.
“After review, West Ham no.19 commits a foul on the goalkeeper. Final decision, direct free kick,” Kavanagh announced to the stadium.
Following the game, he said the moment would go down in history. “The drama. If Arsenal are going to go on and win a title, this is the half,” he added.
“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.
“They found a way and got the job done,” Keane said. “People have been critical of Arsenal in the last two or three years when they blew it, not being good enough mentally or physically.
“It wasn’t great but it was effective. The strength in the squad, players coming off the bench and Rice going back into midfield.
“Then the winning goal, a really good bit of play. You have got to do more of that when teams are defending deep.
“They just about deserved it. West Ham, ill-discipline has cost them. When you go up, just try not to give a foul away because it’ll be checked by VAR.”
Arsenal now sit five points clear of Manchester City with two matches remaining for the Gunners, though Pep Guardiola’s side have a game in hand. Two more wins will see them over the line.
West Ham remain a point behind Tottenham, having played a game more. The Lilywhites face Leeds United on Monday.
