The decision to disregard West Ham’s stoppage-time equaliser on Sunday significantly increased Arsenal’s chances of winning the Premier League.
Callum Wilson smashed the ball into the back of the net, believing he had saved a late point for the Hammers.
However, after a protracted delay, his goal was disallowed because it was determined that his teammate Pablo had fouled David Raya as the corner was flying into the box.
Referee Chris Kavanagh was brought to the screen to evaluate the foul because VAR officer Darren England was unable to decide.
Kavanagh observed that Pablo had his arm across Raya’s chest, preventing him from parrying or catching the ball.
After the goal was disallowed, Arsenal held on for a thrilling few minutes to win 1-0 and take a five-point lead over Manchester City.
Due to David Raya’s foul, West Ham’s equalising goal against Arsenal was disallowed.
Chris Kavanagh eventually agreed to Raya’s insistence that Pablo had fouled him after being directed to the screen to examine the moment.
Arsenal would have only been three points clear of City, who have a game in hand, if they had simply drawn.
West Ham is significantly closer to relegation, but they still hold a tight grip on the title fight.
Tottenham, who play Leeds on Monday night, is one point ahead of the Hammers.
This might terminate West Ham’s 14-year run in the top flight and propel Arsenal to their first championship since 2004, making it, in some ways, the most significant review decision in history.
Leandro Trossard’s first goal of 2026 and several crucial saves from Raya were the only things that put Arsenal in the winning position.
As Arsenal’s players gathered around Kavanagh, Mikel Arteta signalled for a foul on the touchline as soon as he realised there was a problem with the stoppage-time incident.
Raya did get a finger to the ball while other players struggled with one another in the box, but she didn’t get much purchase on it and appeared unsteady.
“David said straight away it was 100% no goal, so I had a lot of faith, because he was really convincing,” Trossard told Sky Sports at the conclusion of the game. However, you never know. It’s a relief.
Raya’s evaluation was accepted by the Sky Sports punditry team in the studio. Even when players from both teams committed potential fouls, Roy Keane was quick to point out Pablo’s foolishness in attempting to obstruct the custodian. “VAR are going to check everything,” Keane stated. “Avoid touching the goalie.” It is a foul, in my opinion. Pablo must be aware that VAR will be checked.
Jarrod Bowen spearheaded the West Ham protests.””You’ll notice something if you watch the screen for five minutes,” he yelled during full time. “It’s crazy, there are all kinds of fouls going on.” It’s a foul. Everything was in disarray.
He has his arm over his throat. Raya will take full advantage of his status as an Arsenal player. Don’t commit such a blatant foul.
Pablo has his arm on the custodian and (the Arsenal fans) are just praying they can see that’, Jamie Redknapp continued.
“To unravel that moment was like watching the Super Bowl; I don’t think I’ve ever seen more holding in my life.” It was anarchy.
After the game, West Ham player Jarrod Bowen expressed his displeasure with the ruling. “You’ll discover something after five minutes of staring at the screen,” he yelled. There was a lot of gripping and struggling. The goalie must anticipate contact.
“I’m sure you’ll find something if you search long enough.” Do I believe this is the right choice? No.
