Arsenal’s tense 1-0 win over West Ham added another big splash to an already dramatic Premier League title race.
Leandro Trossard’s late goal looked to have sealed a decisive victory for Mikel Arteta’s side, but the match turned controversial when Callum Wilson appeared to have scored an equalizer for the Hammers late in stoppage time.
After a lengthy VAR review, referee Chris Kavanagh ruled that Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya had been fouled in the build-up and overturned the goal.
The decision protected Arsenal’s lead and kept them five points clear of Manchester City, but sparked a heated debate over whether it was the correct decision.
Carragher shares his thoughts on Arsenal’s latest controversy
Jamie Carragher gave a strong opinion on the controversy in an analysis for Sky Sports.
The former Liverpool defender claimed that Arsenal are not necessarily being treated specially by officials, but believes Arsenal have developed a reputation for pushing the limits in some areas of the game.
Carragher said Arsenal’s aggressive approach to set-pieces, movement on the touchline and attacking and defending inside the penalty box regularly left rival fans feeling like they were “getting away with it”.
As reported by the Standard, he told Sky Sports:
“This all started a couple of seasons ago when Arsenal put 15 players in the six-yard box. The reason people get frustrated with Arsenal and feel like they’re getting away with it is because they’re a football club that tries to push the boundaries in every area to get an advantage. That’s why they’re hated.
“The manager is standing on the touchline, pushing opponents off the left and right, screaming in his ear. Gabriel falls to the floor every time someone blows on him.”
“Goalkeepers are the first ones to take the atmosphere in the stadium to another level, what they do on set pieces. That’s why there’s a feeling of, ‘They’re doing it every week, so how do they get away with it?’ But that doesn’t mean this isn’t a foul.”
Arteta close to winning the league
Naturally, Arteta defended those involved and praised the referee for making a courageous decision under huge pressure. Meanwhile, West Ham, who believed they had earned a valuable point, were furious.
Arsenal may see West Ham’s victory as another sign that the champions have found a way through a difficult moment, but this controversy is unlikely to go away anytime soon.
Carragher said Arsenal were admired for their intensity and precision, but disliked by many rivals for the way they tested the limits.
For Arteta, the most important thing is the result. With only two league games remaining, Arsenal still have their title destiny in their hands.
But if they go on to lift the Premier League trophy, this dramatic VAR avoidance at the London Stadium may be remembered as one of the defining moments of their season.
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