Arsenal glimpse title glory as VAR 'earthquake' rocks Premier League

TL;DR

Arsenal's 1-0 victory over West Ham puts them close to their first Premier League title in 22 years, aided by a controversial VAR decision that disallowed a late West Ham goal. The decision has sparked intense debate among managers and fans about the future of VAR in the league.

Key points

Arsenal wins 1-0 against West Ham
Controversial VAR decision disallows West Ham goal
Arsenal five points clear of Manchester City
Title can be secured with two wins or City's loss
Mixed reactions from managers on VAR decision

Mentioned in this story

Mikel ArtetaNuno Espirito SantoGary Neville

ArsenalWest HamManchester CityBurnley

Arsenal's Leandro Trossard leads the celebrations after his goal against West Ham (Adrian DENNIS) (Adrian DENNIS/AFP/AFP) Arsenal are within touching distance of their first Premier League crown for 22 years after a VAR "earthquake" rocked the title race in their contentious 1-0 win at West Ham on Sunday. Mikel Arteta's side were embroiled in a controversial stoppage-time incident that looked set to derail their title bid before a VAR intervention tilted the balance of power back to north London. Leading through Leandro Trossard's deflected 83rd minute goal, the Gunners were stunned when West Ham's Callum Wilson lashed home in the final moments after Arsenal keeper David Raya dropped the ball inside his penalty area. But West Ham's celebrations were curtailed when VAR official Darren England told referee Chris Kavanagh to consult the pitch-side monitor to check a potential foul by Pablo on Raya before his fumble. After a lengthy delay ratcheted up the drama, Kavanagh agreed that Pablo had impeded the keeper and returned to the pitch to announce the goal had been disallowed. Arteta and his players breathed a collective sigh of relief, while Arsenal's fans exploded in celebration as jeers rang out from disbelieving West Ham supporters. It was a moment of such emotional intensity that it will surely stand as the defining image of the season if Arsenal go on to win their 14th English title and first since 2004. The Gunners are five points clear of second-placed Manchester City and will be crowned champions if they win their last two matches at home to Burnley on May 18 and at on May 24. They could seal the trophy even earlier if City fail to win their game in hand against Palace at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday. That would allow Arsenal to wrap up the title with a victory over relegated Burnley. For third-bottom West Ham, it was a brutal blow in their battle to avoid relegation. The Hammers remain one point from safety but fourth-bottom would extend that gap to four with just two games left if they beat on Monday.

Q&A

What was the VAR decision that affected the Arsenal vs West Ham match?

The VAR disallowed a late goal by West Ham due to a foul on Arsenal's goalkeeper David Raya, which allowed Arsenal to secure a 1-0 victory.

How many points clear is Arsenal at the top of the Premier League?

Arsenal is currently five points clear of second-placed Manchester City in the Premier League standings.

What do Arsenal need to do to win the Premier League title?

Arsenal can win the Premier League title by winning their last two matches against Burnley and Crystal Palace, or if Manchester City fails to win their game in hand.

What were the reactions of the managers to the VAR decision?

Mikel Arteta praised the VAR decision as brave and correct, while West Ham's Nuno Espirito Santo criticized the inconsistency of VAR and refereeing standards.