Arsenal takes a giant step towards the Premier League title thanks to an epic and controversial VAR intervention at the end of the match against West Ham, while the Hammers appear to be sliding dangerously towards relegation. In lower division football, Rochdale made a triumphant return to the EFL with a dramatic victory at Wembley. All this and much more in Monday’s briefing that will shake the world of English football!
In a tension-filled clash at the London Stadium, the Gunners confirmed their ambition to win the title for the first time in 22 years, but not without a hint of controversy. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta praised the referees, who he said were “brave” to overturn a wrong decision that could have cost them the victory. Leandro Trossard scored the decisive goal in the 83rd minute, but the celebration was nearly spoiled by Callum Wilson, who equalized in stoppage time, giving the Hammers hope in their desperate fight for survival.
A twist occurred when referee Chris Kavanagh, after being called to the pitch-side monitor by VAR, reviewed the play frantically during 17 replays and disallowed Wilson’s goal, citing a foul by Pablo Felipe on Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya. The decision left West Ham fans furious, but for the Gunners, it meant opening a crucial five-point lead over Manchester City, leaving them just two matches away from securing the title.
Mikel Arteta commented: “It was a very brave decision, but consistent with what has been the discourse throughout the season. When I have to criticize, I criticize, but today I have to praise the referees for giving the referee the option to decide away from the chaos and the lights, giving him the clarity to make the right call. Viewed that way, the foul is an obvious mistake.”
The controversial decision did not go unnoticed by an English football legend, Gary Neville, who described this moment as “the biggest test ever for VAR in the Premier League.” According to the former Manchester United defender, “this is an earthquake, a seismic moment for VAR. It is probably the biggest decision in VAR history in the league. The question is whether VAR has the courage and determination to make this decision. It is a gigantic decision for officiating in the country, too important to get wrong.”
Meanwhile, David Moyes, manager of West Ham, saw his team lose ground in the race for a European spot after a 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace. Despite having taken the lead, the Hammers could not hold on to the result, with Jean-Philippe Mateta equalizing for the hosts 14 minutes from time. Moyes admitted that their European aspirations “are slipping away” and criticized the lack of effectiveness from his key forwards: “It’s disappointing not to be able to hold on to the win, especially after being ahead 2-1. Our key finishers, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Iliman Ndiaye, have been below expectations in terms of shooting.”
In the lower tier, Rochdale staged an epic comeback in the National League playoff final against Boreham Wood. After trailing 2-0 with goals from Matt Rush and Abdul Abdulmalik, the visitors responded with goals from Tyler Smith and Mani Dieseruvwe in the closing moments, taking the game into extra time and subsequently to a penalty shootout. The hero of the day was goalkeeper Oliver Whatmuff, on loan from Manchester City, who saved two crucial penalties, securing a 3-1 victory and a return to the EFL.
Today, Tottenham has the opportunity to take a decisive step towards safety as they host Leeds, who are already secure, in a match that could extend the Spurs’ lead over West Ham, currently in 18th place, to four points with only two matches remaining. In the Championship, Millwall hopes to capitalize on playing at home in the second leg of the playoff semi-finals against Hull, in a tie that remains goalless.
This weekend has shown that VAR continues to be a key player in English football, with decisions that can change the fate of clubs and players, while the battle for the title and survival in the Premier League is more intense than ever. Arsenal is one step away from making history, but the emotions promise to remain high until the final whistle of the season.
This article first appeared on Apito Final.
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