Mikel Arteta Arsenal
Arsenal secured a vital victory against West Ham in a match filled with VAR drama and late-game tension. The Gunners managed to break through the resilient defense of relegation-threatened West Ham when Leandro Trossard scored with just seven minutes left on the clock. However, the drama intensified in added time when Callum Wilson thought he had equalized for West Ham, only for the goal to be disallowed after a lengthy VAR review.
Darren Cann said: “It’s a foul by Pablo holding Raya’s arm, clearly impeding him. Also, he is having his shirt pulled by Todibo. I know it’s a shame for West Ham given the timing, but it is a foul. That is the bottom line. The arm is across Raya from Pablo, but crucially he is holding Raya’s arm.”
Darren Cann added: “I think there is too much skirmishing generally at corners anyway. My idea that I have been saying for three years now is that I believe attacking players shouldn’t be allowed in the goal area before the corner is taken, so that would give natural separation between defenders and attackers and it would stop the intermingling before the ball is in play. You can’t give a defensive free kick or a penalty if the ball is not in play, so it would stop this constant pushing and grappling at corners if we separate the players. I think it’s a foul. He’s holding Raya. Have VAR got the courage to make the decision? This is massive for refereeing in this country… This is one of those moments where Arsenal might think their name is on the trophy.”
The decision to disallow Wilson’s goal was met with controversy, but it ultimately stood, ensuring Arsenal’s narrow win. This result leaves Arsenal five points clear of second-placed Manchester City in the Premier League title race. Pep Guardiola’s side will have the opportunity to close the gap when they face Crystal Palace in their game in hand on Wednesday night.
The match highlighted the ongoing debate surrounding VAR and its impact on crucial decisions in high-stakes games. As Arsenal edges closer to the Premier League title, the controversial decision may be viewed as a pivotal moment in their campaign.
About The Author
