Arsenal moved one step nearer to ending their 22 year wait for a Premier League crown after a tense 1 0 victory over West Ham at the London Stadium, in a match that will be remembered for one of the most dramatic VAR interventions English football has ever witnessed.
The contest appeared to be heading towards a straightforward finish after Leandro Trossard found the breakthrough late in the game. His composed finish handed Mikel Arteta’s side a priceless advantage in the title race and looked set to secure another important three points for the North London club.
Yet the final moments produced extraordinary tension. Deep into added time, West Ham launched one final attack from a corner kick. The ball dropped inside the area and Callum Wilson reacted quickest, smashing home what seemed to be a dramatic equaliser. The stadium erupted as home supporters celebrated a goal that could have reshaped the championship battle.
However, celebrations were cut short when VAR officials began reviewing the incident. Replays showed West Ham defender Pablo making contact with Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya during the delivery. His arm appeared to press against Raya’s neck as the Spanish keeper struggled to deal with the cross.
VAR official Darren England advised referee Chris Kavanagh to examine the footage on the pitchside monitor. What followed was a lengthy delay filled with tension and confusion around the stadium. There was a wait of two minutes and 35 seconds before Kavanagh headed to the screen. He then reviewed the incident from 17 different angles before eventually ruling out the goal for a foul.
In total, four minutes and 17 seconds passed between the ball crossing the line and the final decision being announced, making it one of the longest and most talked about VAR checks in Premier League history.
The outcome could prove decisive in the title race. Had the equaliser counted, Arsenal’s lead at the summit would have been reduced to three points, giving Manchester City a major opportunity to overtake them with their game in hand against Crystal Palace.
Instead, Arsenal now sit five points clear at the top with matches against relegated Burnley and Crystal Palace remaining. The Gunners are now firmly within touching distance of lifting the Premier League trophy for the first time since 2004.
For West Ham, the defeat leaves them trapped in the relegation battle, while Tottenham Hotspur could strengthen their position further with victory over Leeds United.
