Arsenal got away with it at West Ham this evening thanks to the biggest of VAR calls going in their favour in East London.
David Raya was fouled by Pablo as Callum Wilson scrambled home a late corner and after being sent to the screen by VAR, Chris Kavanagh overruled his initial decision.
It was a season-defining moment for the Gunners and one which, ultimately, should hand the Premier League title to the club.
West Ham fans, of course, will feel robbed. But while it felt harsh on the Hammers and their survival hopes, former Premier League referee Darren Cann backed the officials.
Was this the most nerve-racking moment you’ve ever experienced as an Arsenal fan? If not, what was? 😬
Mark Clattenburg has had his say on that disallowed goal…
Darren Cann backs Chris Kavanagh after Arsenal v West Ham controversy
Referees generally stick together on the big decisions but this one was bigger than most we’ve ever seen.
Ultimately though, former PL ref Darren Cann believes Kavanagh got it spot on, with Raya being fouled by not just one West Ham player.
“It is a foul by Pablo holding Raya’s arm and clearly impeding Raya. Also he is having his shirt pulled by Todibo as well. Unfortunately I know it is a shame for West Ham given the timing of the game, but it is a foul, that is the bottom line,” Cann told BBC Sport.
“The arm is across Raya from Pablo, but crucially he is holding Raya’s arm. He’s not going to punch the ball, he is trying to catch it. The fact he has an arm on the keeper means he can’t catch it and he is clearly impeded.”
What Owen Hargreaves said about David Raya decision
There was so much to digest in this goal and the magnitude of the decision meant that it was always going to take time and a calm head.
In the end, most will agree that Kavanagh got it right and according to Owen Hargreaves, that was the case.
“We’ve spoken about set-pieces all this season, look at all the bodies on David Raya! I feel sorry for West Ham but the ‘keeper is having his arm pulled down, he can’t get up and claim the ball,” Hargreaves said on the incident.
Arsenal’s title and West Ham’s survival were right there in the balance on this call.
VAR has had its critics over the years but on this one, it definitely seemed to get it right.
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