- Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has reacted to the decision of the VAR to cancel West Ham’s equaliser on Sunday, May 10
- Leandro Trossard’s 85th-minute goal proved to be enough as the Gunners secured a slim 1-0 against the Hammers
- Callum Wilson’s stoppage goal was disallowed following a foul on David Raya by Pablo inside the penalty area
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has reacted to the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) decision to disallow West Ham United’s late goal during their Premier League clash on Sunday, May 10.
Callum Wilson thought he had scored an equaliser in the 90+5th minute, but VAR intervened after determining that West Ham forward Pablo Fornals had fouled goalkeeper David Raya in the build-up.
Source: Getty Images
Referee Chris Kavanagh initially awarded the goal before Arsenal players protested, prompting VAR official Darren England to advise an on-field review.
Kavanagh reportedly watched 17 replay angles, with the entire review process lasting four minutes and 17 seconds before the goal was eventually ruled out.
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Arsenal survive late scare after VAR cancels Callum Wilson’s equaliser for West Ham, video
Meanwhile, Leandro Trossard scored a lone goal in the 85th minute to secure a vital win for the Gunners at London Stadium.
The victory moved Arsenal five points clear of Manchester City at the top of the table, while West Ham remain in 18th position, per ESPN.
Arteta reacts to VAR decision
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta praised the match officials after the game, describing their decision-making as brave.
According to Sky Sports, the Arsenal manager said the officials deserved credit for their consistency and willingness to make difficult calls. He said:
“When I had to be critical, I have been. Today I have to congratulate the Video Assistant Referee (VAR).
Watch the video:
“You needed 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.”
Mixed reactions trail Arteta’s comments
Legit.ng has compiled the reactions of fans as Mikel Arteta commends the referee for ruling out Callum Wilson’s equaliser. Read them below:
@greatwhizz10 said:
“If the decision didn’t go your way, you wouldn’t be saying all these. just shut it already.”
Source: Getty Images
@CFC_Azharuddin wrote:
“This absolute hypocrite has spent his entire managerial career screaming at the fourth official and putting targets on the backs of referees.
“Now he suddenly respects how hard their job is just because they handed him a result?”
@Blessingfash added:
“Fair reflection from Mikel Arteta, referees really operate under intense pressure, especially in huge matches involving clubs like Arsenal. One decision can shape narratives, so consistency and calm judgement are everything at that level.”
Supercomputer predicts Premier League winner
Legit.ng earlier reported that Opta’s supercomputer has updated its prediction after Manchester City reduced the gap behind Arsenal to two points.
The Gunners’ chances of winning dropped from about 87% without kicking a ball to about 79%, though they still have a massive chance of winning the title.
Source: Legit.ng