West Ham United’s clash with Arsenal at the London Stadium ended in a monumental controversy on Sunday night, when Callum Wilson’s 95th-minute equalizer was successfully overturned by VAR.
The decision, which secured a 1-0 win for the Gunners, sent shockwaves throughout the Premier League and had a huge impact on both the title race and the fight to remain in the top flight.
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Leandro Trossard’s late goal looked to have won Arsenal, but the stadium roared when Wilson curled the ball home from a chaotic corner kick in the dying minutes.
However, referee Chris Kavanagh, after a lengthy review and a move to the pitchside monitor, disallowed the goal for a foul on Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya.
VAR controversially overrules West Ham goal
The controversy centered on West Ham substitute Pablo, but it was adjudged that the Spaniard had interfered with David Raya in his attempt to claim the first cross.
While Wilson drove away to celebrate, VAR official Darren England flagged the incident for review.
Replays showed arms tangled in the crowded six-yard box, leading Kavanagh to conclude that the goalkeeper had been fouled. “After review, West Ham number 19 has committed a foul on the goalkeeper,” the referee announced, to loud boos.
This decision gave Arsenal a significant respite, allowing them to escape with three points and move closer to winning the league for the first time in over 20 years.
Rob Green talks about controversy: ‘Biggest call of the season’
Former West Ham and England goalkeeper Rob Green spoke of the high-stakes nature of the decision, saying it was a defining moment of the season.
He told BBC Radio 5 Live: “This is on God’s lap. There are weapons everywhere.”
“In any other season, in any other moment, it would be a foul. But given the magnitude of this moment and what a goal means for the title and survival, this is the biggest call of the season.
“The arm is across the keeper, but Pablo himself is caught. It is impossible to say that.”
The impact of this decision is two-fold. Arsenal remain at the top of the table with a five-point lead, while West Ham remain in the relegation zone. Given the 3-3 draw between City and Everton, a draw would mean Arsenal’s advantage over Man City would disappear.
With two games remaining, the Hammers face an uphill battle to avoid relegation and fans are left disappointed by the VAR intervention that could change the course of the club’s history.
