Arsenal moved to the brink of a first Premier League title in 22 years after West Ham had a last-gasp equaliser ruled out by VAR in a dramatic finale at the London Stadium that left the hosts starting down the barrel of relegation.
The Gunners had been frustrated for long spells as West Ham scrapped for survival, and Mikel Arteta’s side were saved by a crucial stop from goalkeeper David Raya as he made an inspired block from Mateus Fernandes.
Moments later, Leandro Trossard ended his long scoring drought with the goal that looked to fire Arsenal to the title, but there was more drama to come after Callum Wilson scrambled an equaliser deep in stoppage time.
But in the melee, VAR spotted an infringement involving goalkeeper Raya and West Ham substitute Pablo. In a thicket of bodies in the six-yard box, Raya appeared to be grasped by the Brazilian as he attempted to claim the initial delivery into the box.
After a long deliberation of the available angles, VAR Darren England instructed referee Kavanagh to review the footage on the pitchside monitor. And following a discussion between the officials, Kavanagh chalked the goal off.
Arsenal now just need to beat relegated Burnley and Crystal Palace to win the Premier League, while West Ham are in need of a great escape with two games remaining. Tottenham can move four points clear if they beat Leeds, who are now safe, tomorrow.
Why was Callum Wilson’s goal disallowed by VAR for West Ham against Arsenal?
Callum Wilson looked to have earned West Ham a vital point in their fight against relegation when he lashed home following a goalmouth scramble that came from a corner delivered from the right.
The striker’s half-volley was blocked beyond the line by Declan Rice, clearly crossing, with the goal quickly awarded by referee Chris Kavanagh.
How the table looks
That win takes Arsenal five points ahead of Man City, though Pep Guardiola’s side have a game in hand.
Here’s how the table looks:
1 – Arsenal – 79pts, GD+42
2 – Man City – 74pts, GD+ 40
FULL-TIME! West Ham 0-1 Arsenal
Not a great game for the neutral but Arsenal won’t care, and in the end there was plenty of drama as the Gunners sealed a win that takes them a giant step closer to a first Premier League title since 2004.
Mikel Arteta’s side are just two wins (maximum) from winning the league, with only Burnley and Crystal Palace standing in their way!
FULL-TIME! West Ham 0-1 Arsenal
“The drama, the drama. If Arsenal are going to go on and win a title this is the game that will go down in folklore,” says Gary Neville on Sky.
“And [if] Arsenal get over the line it’s a huge move towards their first Premier League title in 22 years.”
FULL-TIME! West Ham 0-1 Arsenal
That’s it! The referee brings the game to an end and Arsenal have a vital win that could well seal the Premier League title!
Chris Kavanagh is surrounded by West Ham players as the Hammers now sit in 18th, one point behind Tottenham.
West Ham 0-1 Arsenal
90 +10 mins
How much longer do we have left? There was probably a minute or so left on the clock when Wilson scored.
The hosts win a free-kick and can pump the ball into the Arsenal half.
GOAL DISALLOWED! West Ham 0-1 Arsenal
90 +9 mins
GOAL DISALLOWED!
“West Ham no. 19 commits a foul on the goalkeeper” is the decision from the referee!
A pivotal moment in the title race!
West Ham 0-1 Arsenal
90 +8 mins
It’s been a long review this one! It looks like it’ll be chalked off in truth…
West Ham 0-1 Arsenal
90 +6 mins
The ball came in and Hermansen put Raya under pressure, while Pablo had his hand cross Raya’s arm and potentially fouled him.
The ball eventually came back put before it was fired over the line, and Arsenal obviously think it’s a foul!
The referee is being sent to review it!
