On Sunday afternoon, Arsenal claimed what could be a massive 1-0 win at struggling London rivals West Ham courtesy of a Leandro Trossard strike. To say the result was a controversial one would be a massive understatement, as the game produced one of the most dramatic VAR incidents in the Premier League since the system’s introduction.
What was the incident?
West Ham scored an equaliser deep into stoppage time through substitute Callum Wilson, cue pandemonium as it looked like the Hammers had snatched what could be a vital point.
However, Darren England, on the VAR, intervened and asked referee Chris Kavanagh to go and check for an incident from the Hammers corner kick that resulted in Wilson’s shot on goal.
Kavanagh checked his screen and disallowed the goal, as West Ham’s Pablo had put his arm on Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya, who had dramatically thrown himself on the floor from the corner kick when he knew he had failed to clear the ball.
Nuno Espirito Santo and Jarrod Bowen furious at the decision
.jpg){kind=link}
Understandably, everybody associated with the Hammers is furious with the decision. Speaking to the press after the game, head coach Nuno Espirito Santo said: ‘All of us don’t understand what is a foul, what isn’t a foul. I think even referees confuse themselves.’
The Portuguese boss continued by saying: ‘In recent seasons there’s been a lot of grappling, holding, almost like a wrestling situation.’
‘And it’s upsetting. Sometimes it is (penalised), sometimes it’s not. And today it’s frustrating.’
The Hammers’ star forward and captain, Jarrod Bowen, was also frustrated by the controversial decision, saying, ‘Goalkeepers are protected more than outfield players.’
‘There’s lots of holding and grappling going on in the box. The keeper has to expect contact. There’s going to be tussles.
‘When you look at the screen for five minutes, you’ll find something. I’m sure if you look long enough, you’ll find something. Do I think it’s the right decision? No.’
The decision could well prove crucial in both the relegation battle and the fight for the Premier League title. The result leaves West Ham in the relegation zone, a point adrift of safety, while Arsenal are now six points clear of second-place Manchester City at the top of the table.