VAR’s Biggest Decision Yet May Have Handed Arsenal Premier League Title

West Ham United were left furious after a dramatic late VAR decision denied them a stoppage-time equaliser as Arsenal claimed a crucial 1-0 victory at London Stadium to move a step closer to the Premier League title.

Leandro Trossard proved the match-winner with seven minutes remaining when his effort deflected off Tomas Soucek and beyond the helpless Mads Hermansen after a tense and frustrating afternoon for Mikel Arteta’s side.

The Belgian had earlier struck the woodwork twice within seconds during a dominant Arsenal start, but the visitors struggled to maintain their rhythm after Ben White limped off injured midway through the first half.

Arteta’s decision to move Declan Rice to right-back following White’s departure disrupted Arsenal’s control and handed encouragement to a West Ham side desperately fighting for survival.

With Rice restored to midfield after the interval, Arsenal regained some authority, although the hosts came closest to breaking the deadlock when Mateus Fernandes was denied from point-blank range by a stunning David Raya save.

Raya had already produced another important stop earlier in the match to keep out a powerful Taty Castellanos header, underlining his importance in what could become a title-defining victory.

Moments after Fernandes failed to capitalise on his huge opportunity, Arsenal finally found the breakthrough. Trossard’s low strike took a heavy deflection off Soucek before looping into the net in front of the travelling support.

Deep into stoppage time, Callum Wilson bundled the ball home from a corner and London Stadium erupted, believing West Ham had rescued a priceless point. But after a lengthy VAR review, the goal was ruled out for a foul on Raya as the Arsenal keeper attempted to gather the cross.

The decision sparked fury among the home supporters and players, with boos ringing around the stadium at both the announcement and final whistle.

For Arsenal, though, the scenes were ones of jubilation.

The victory moves Arteta’s side five points clear of Manchester City, although Pep Guardiola’s team still hold a game in hand, while Arsenal’s dream week continued after reaching the Champions League final on Tuesday.

Having waited 22 years for a Premier League title, Arsenal are now within touching distance of ending that drought.

The defeat leaves the Hammers in the relegation zone, one point behind Tottenham Hotspur having played a game more, with time quickly running out to save their Premier League status.

There are still opportunities ahead, with difficult trips remaining against Newcastle United and Leeds United, but Nuno Espirito Santo’s side know they can ill-afford further setbacks.

Arsenal, meanwhile, return to action against Burnley at Emirates Stadium on Monday, 18 May, with the title race now firmly in their hands. Eventmasters are offering VIP hospitality packages for both Arsenal’s clash with Burnley and West Ham’s final fixture of the season against Leeds United.