Arsenal Edge West Ham Over VAR Controversy

Arsenal Edge West Ham Over VAR Controversy Arsenal Edge West Ham Over VAR Controversy
Arsenal's Brazilian defender #06 Gabriel Magalhaes and Arsenal's Norwegian midfielder #08 Martin Odegaard celebrate with fans after Arsenal win the English Premier League football match between West Ham United and Arsenal at the London Stadium, in east London on May 10, 2026. (Photo by Adrian Dennis / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. /

Arsenal F.C. moved closer to the Premier League title after a controversial 1-0 victory over West Ham United F.C. on Sunday, with a stoppage-time equaliser from Callum Wilson ruled out after a lengthy VAR review.

Leandro Trossard scored the decisive goal in the 83rd minute at the London Stadium after his strike took a heavy deflection past West Ham goalkeeper Mads Hermansen.

Arsenal Edge West Ham Over VAR Controversy
Arsenal Edge West Ham Over VAR Controversy Credit: AFP

However, the biggest talking point came deep into stoppage time when Wilson bundled the ball into the net after David Raya fumbled under pressure from Pablo.

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Referee Chris Kavanagh, following a prolonged VAR check, disallowed the goal for a foul on Raya, sparking furious protests from West Ham players and supporters, who argued the contact was minimal and also claimed fouls by Declan Rice and Trossard during the incident.

The victory leaves Arsenal five points ahead of defending champions Manchester City F.C., who defeated Brentford F.C. 3-0 on Saturday.

City still have a game in hand and could reduce the gap to two points if they beat Crystal Palace F.C. on Wednesday.

Mikel Arteta’s side will secure the title if they win their remaining matches against Burnley F.C. and Crystal Palace.

Arsenal are also chasing European glory after reaching the final of the UEFA Champions League Final, where they will face Paris Saint-Germain F.C. in Budapest on May 30.

The north London club are aiming to win their first English league title since the 2003-04 “Invincibles” season and their first-ever Champions League trophy.

Former Arsenal striker Thierry Henry recently said Arteta’s squad could become “unforgettables” if they complete the historic double.

West Ham, meanwhile, remain third from bottom and face an increasingly difficult battle to avoid relegation.

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  • Toyibat Ajose

    Toyibat is a highly motivated Mass Communication major and results-oriented professional with a robust foundation in media, education, and communication. Leveraging years of hands-on experience in journalism, she has honed her ability to craft compelling narratives, conduct thorough research, and deliver accurate and engaging content that resonates with diverse audiences.

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