VAR checked three Arsenal incidents before ruling out West Ham goal
Arsenal secured a controversial win over West Ham with VAR heavily involved in the closing moments of the Premier League clash
Sky Sports presenter Dave Jones has revealed three separate incidents were checked by VAR in the lead up to West Ham’s goal against Arsenal being disallowed. Callum Wilson thought he had scored a late equaliser against the Gunners, but his strike was ruled out because of a foul by Pablo on David Raya.
Referee Chris Kavanagh reversed the goal decision after VAR lead Darren England recommended an on-field review. It has since emerged that the latter also took a closer look at incidents involving Declan Rice and Leandro Trossard, as revealed by Jones.
Arsenal’s goal-scorer had hold of Pablo as he impeded Raya while Rice was captured holding onto Crysencio Summerville and then Konstantinos Mavropanos as the corner was played in and thus made no attempt for the ball.
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Had that contact been strong enough to be given as a penalty before Raya was fouled, the goal would have been disallowed and a spot kick awarded. However,
The Premier League Match Centre on X summed up the controversy by stating: “#WHUARS – 90+5’ VAR OVERTURN After VAR review, the referee overturned the original decision of goal to West Ham United.
“Referee announcement: “After review, West Ham number 19 commits a foul on the goalkeeper. Final decision is direct free kick.”” Arsenal ultimately held out for the remaining minutes to go within touching distance of their first Premier League title in over 20 years.
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The season-defining incident has divided opinion hugely with Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta praising the officials for their decision and revealing exactly why he thinks it should have been disallowed.
He said: “A call from the refs that I think is very brave, but very consistent with what they’ve been talking about all season. So when I have to be critical, I have been.
“And today I have to praise them, at least for giving the option to a referee to decide. Away from the lights and the chaos, to give clarity to him to make the right call. And when you look at the action in that way, I think it is an obvious error.”
Nuno Espirito Santo saw things differently however, with the West Ham boss slamming the lack of consistency officials have shown when it comes to fouls at corners.
He said: “Look, there is a referee and VAR, there is circumstances in the past that have been judged different. Let’s not go further than that.
“Due to the recent seasons, it has been happening [similar incidents]. Even the referees don’t know what is a foul and what is not a foul, It creates doubt. You look at every corner in the Premier League and something like this is happening, not just today, but on all the pitches.
“I am talking about the lack of consistency. The players are confused and frustrated, and they don’t understand it. It is upsetting. It is up to them to solve it, there is a referee and VAR, but the referees confuse themselves.”
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