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A controversial VAR decision denied West Ham a late equaliser as Arsenal edged closer to a first Premier League title in 22 years with a tense 1-0 win.
Arsenal scraped out a gritty 1-0 win with a bit of fortune from the football/VAR gods (AP)
Last night’s Premier League action reminded us all of our favourite saying: fortune favours… Arsenal?
In one of the most dramatic endings to a Premier League game, a VAR decision — arguably the most important in PL history so far — that influenced both the title race and the relegation battle sunk West Ham as Arsenal won 1-0 on Sunday, pushing them closer to the promised land.
And yes, Mikel Arteta’s side may well have gotten away with one.
The Controversial VAR Moment
With seconds remaining in added time, Callum Wilson thought he had rescued a priceless point for West Ham after smashing home from close range following a chaotic corner situation.
But celebrations were cut short when VAR intervened and referee Chris Kavanagh was sent to the monitor.
Arsenal, enjoy your time now, because how would this be a foul? West Ham players were hugged and pulled down, so he was trying to use his hand to get strength for jumping. But it’s okay. pic.twitter.com/pBXtZf8ggj— Ben David (@Shegsben) May 10, 2026
After review, the goal was ruled out for a foul on Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya by West Ham forward Pablo during Jarrod Bowen’s delivery.
Breaking Down The VAR Decision
Pablo had positioned himself in front of Raya while battling for the first ball and appeared to obstruct the Arsenal keeper with an outstretched right arm as Raya attempted to claim the cross.
Raya got fingertips to the ball but failed to gather cleanly, allowing Wilson to pounce after a loose touch from William Saliba.
The controversy? Raya arguably ran into Pablo as much as the other way around, while the penalty area itself was packed with grappling, shirt-pulling, and physical contact that often goes unpunished in similar situations.
Still, replays did show enough contact for VAR to deem that Raya had been impeded.
It’s a call that could have gone either way, with various other instances of such events being ruled against the keeper. So, I guess we can chalk it up to Arsenal’s good karma, more than anything.
Arsenal Edge Closer To Glory
The victory pushes Arsenal five points clear of Manchester City at the top of the table. Pep Guardiola’s side still have a game in hand against Crystal Palace, but even a win there would leave City trailing by two points with just two matches remaining.
Had Wilson’s goal stood, Arsenal’s lead would have been cut to three — and City could have reclaimed top spot entirely this week.
Instead, Leandro Trossard’s decisive strike proved enough to hand Arsenal another massive step toward a first Premier League crown in 22 years.
Arsenal Eyeing Historic Double
Meanwhile, Arsenal have enjoyed a rather fruitful week, having also secured their berth in the UEFA Champions League final earlier last week with a 1-0 win, as hopes of a historic double stay alive.
A slip from Manchester City earlier this week has handed Arteta’s side control of the race. And once again, the title is Mikel Arteta’s to lose.
All they need now? Two wins — from Burnley and Crystal Palace — and the PL crown that has eluded them for 22 years will be theirs again.
Once the league wraps up, it’s off to Hungary for their date with destiny… and a ravenous PSG.
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