Arsenal survive late VAR controversy to edge West Ham and keep title charge alive

After a tense and nervy battle at the London Stadium, Leandro Trossard gave the Gunners the lead in the 83rd minute to seemingly heap more misery on the relegation-threatened Hammers.

But deep into added time with 95 minutes on the clock, West Ham thought they had snatched a dramatic equaliser, only for the goal to be ruled out after a lengthy VAR review that sparked furious protests from the visitors.

VAR officials identified an incident in the buildup where West Ham's Pablo appeared to have his arm across David Raya's neck as the Arsenal goalkeeper fumbled the initial ball into the box. Referee Chris Kavanagh was eventually sent to the pitchside monitor by VAR Darren England after a delay of two minutes and 35 seconds following the ball crossing the line.

Kavanagh then watched 17 replays before deciding to disallow the goal for a foul on Raya. In total, four minutes and 17 seconds elapsed between the goal being scored and the final decision, with the lengthy review adding to West Ham's frustration.

Arsenal dominated much of the first half, with Mads Hermansen producing several important saves for West Ham, including a superb stop to deny Trossard before the Belgian hit the crossbar with the rebound. Riccardo Calafiori and Declan Rice also went close as the hosts controlled possession and territory.

West Ham improved towards the end of the opening period, forcing David Raya into a strong save from Valentin Castellanos, while injuries and tactical reshuffles disrupted Arsenal’s rhythm.

The breakthrough eventually arrived late on when Martin Ødegaard teed up Trossard, whose strike took a heavy deflection on its way past Hermansen - only for the late VAR drama to have the final say.

The win moved Arsenal five points clear at the top of the table on 79 points, while West Ham remain in the relegation zone, one point from safety having played a game more than Tottenham.