Arsenal moved five points clear at the top of the Premier League table after a dramatic 1-0 victory over West Ham United.
Leandro Trossard scored the winning goal late in the game to send the Gunners five points clear at the top of the Premier League table.
However, things almost went horribly wrong for Mikel Arteta’s side in stoppage time.
Callum Wilson thought he had equalised for West Ham, only for VAR to intervene and overturn the goal because of a foul on David Raya in the build-up.
Even Gary Neville admitted it was the correct decision, and Arteta heaped praise on the officials after the game for getting it right.
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Mikel Arteta congratulates referees after dramatic West Ham vs Arsenal decision
The final moments of the game between the two London rivals were filled with tension and controversy.
West Ham believed they had rescued a dramatic point when Wilson’s shot crossed the line. However, the celebrations were cut short almost immediately as VAR began checking the build-up.
Replays showed Pablo had his arm across Arsenal star Raya’s throat while also grabbing the goalkeeper’s shoulder while the cross came in.
The referee was eventually sent to the monitor and overturned the goal after reviewing the footage.
Arteta has often been critical of refereeing decisions when he feels Arsenal have been wronged, but this time, the Spaniard wanted to praise the officials for making what he believed was the correct call under huge pressure.
Speaking after the game, Arteta told Sky Sports: “When I had to be critical, I have been.
“Today I have to congratulate them [referees]. You need a lot of courage and bravery to stand out and give the opportunity to the referee to have a look at the action.
“When you see the picture, there is no question that it is a clear foul. They were very brave. The action deserved that. In my opinion, it is very clear. They are the rules, and we ask for consistency.”
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…
VAR got it right during Arsenal’s win over West Ham
There will undoubtedly be complaints from West Ham supporters and rival fans about the decision.
Manchester City supporters will especially feel frustrated because the result puts Arsenal firmly back in control of the Premier League title race.
However, by the laws of the game, the officials absolutely made the correct call.
Pablo clearly impeded Raya by placing his hand across the goalkeeper’s throat while also grabbing his arm and preventing him from claiming the ball properly.
That is a foul almost anywhere else on the pitch, so it had to be given inside the box too. Anyone arguing otherwise is simply ignoring what actually happened in the incident.
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