VAR took centre stage at the London Stadium as Arsenal recorded a narrow 1-0 win over West Ham United to close in on the Premier League title.
The Hammers thought they had dealt a blow in the Gunners’ title aspirations with a late equalizer in their clash, but the goal was ruled out after review by VAR for a foul on David Raya, breaking the heart of the home side.
Arsenal entered the clash on the back of a 1-0 win over Atletico Madrid in midweek, which sealed a first Champions League final for the club in 20 years and they had the chance to open up a five point lead over second-placed Manchester City.
West Ham United, on the other hand, were in a battle for survival and were looking to crash Arsenal’s title hopes.
Leandro Trossard had an early attempt saved by Mads Hermansen, before he crashed the rebound off the crossbar as Arsenal piled early pressure on the hosts.
Riccardo Calafiori then fired narrowly wide, while Konstantinos Mavropanos cleared an attempt off the line. Mikel Arteta then deployed Declan Rice at right back after an injury to Ben White and West Ham took advantage by growing into the match and creating chances of their own.
Mateus Fernandes wasted a great chance to put West Ham in front when Raya produced a spectacular stop, but Arsenal made them pay with the opening goal late on.
Trossard fired into the net after he was played through by Martin Odegaard in the 83rd minute of the clash. Arsenal looked to be cruising to victory until West Ham scored in stoppage-time through Callum Wilson.
However, after a VAR check, the strike was ruled out for a foul in the buildup, while the Gunners held on to seal a 1-0 win.
The win moves them five points clear of Manchester City, who have a game in hand against Crystal Palace on Wednesday and moves them closer to a first league title in 22 years.
Olakitan is a young writer with a strong passion for sports, having gained experience with IndyPress and Nimelssa Press. His enthusiasm for sports inspired him to cover events both within his school and beyond. With a deep understanding of the game and a refined skillset, he brings sports coverage to a broad, global audience in a way that’s engaging and accessible.
