In a dramatic finale at the London Stadium, Arsenal secured a 1-0 victory over West Ham United, with Leandro Trossard scoring the winner in the 83rd minute. However, the match will be remembered for a controversial VAR decision that denied West Ham a late equaliser, keeping Arsenal on course for their first Premier League title since 2004.
VAR Drama at the Death
Deep into stoppage time, West Ham pushed for an equaliser from a corner. Substitute Callum Wilson fired a shot that crossed the line, sparking wild celebrations among the home fans. However, referee Chris Kavanagh was advised by VAR Darren England to review the monitor, where he saw West Ham substitute Pablo fouling Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya with an outstretched arm. Kavanagh disallowed the goal, ruling the foul had occurred before the ball crossed the line.
The decision left West Ham furious, as they desperately needed points in their relegation battle with Tottenham. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta praised the referee's bravery, calling it an 'obvious error' to have allowed the goal initially. 'It was a clear foul on David, and the referee made the right call after reviewing it. It takes courage to overturn such a big decision,' Arteta said.
Title Race Intensifies
Arsenal's win puts them three points clear at the top of the table, with only two games remaining. Manchester City had earlier won 3-0 against Brentford, piling pressure on Arsenal, but the Gunners responded with a gritty performance. 'This was our hardest remaining game,' Arteta added. 'West Ham are in good form, and they made it very difficult for us.'
The match was not without its setbacks for Arsenal. Ben White was forced off with a leg injury after a challenge from Crysencio Summerville, and Riccardo Calafiori also limped off. However, Arteta's tactical changes, including moving Declan Rice to right-back and introducing Martin Zubimendi, helped Arsenal control the game.
Key Moments
- David Raya made a crucial one-on-one save to deny Mateus Fernandes just before Trossard's goal.
- Trossard scored his first goal of 2026, a deflected shot off Tomas Soucek after a neat exchange with Martin Odegaard and Rice.
- West Ham had a goal disallowed in the 95th minute after VAR review, with Pablo adjudged to have fouled Raya.
What's Next
Arsenal face relegated Burnley at home next, before finishing the season at Crystal Palace. West Ham, meanwhile, must rely on Tottenham dropping points against Leeds on Monday night to keep their survival hopes alive. The VAR decision will likely dominate headlines, but for Arsenal, the focus remains on the title.
