Arsenal survive VAR drama to move closer to title with dramatic win at West Ham

TL;DR

Arsenal secured a controversial 1-0 victory over West Ham, moving closer to the Premier League title. A last-minute equalizer by West Ham was disallowed after VAR review, keeping Arsenal five points ahead of Manchester City.

Key points

Arsenal won 1-0 against West Ham
Leandro Trossard scored the winning goal
VAR disallowed a last-minute goal by West Ham
Arsenal is five points ahead of Manchester City
Arsenal can win the title by winning their next two matches

ArsenalWest HamManchester CityBurnley

Arsenal's Leandro Trossard (R) celebrates scoring against West Ham (Adrian Dennis) (Adrian Dennis/AFP/AFP) Arsenal moved closer to the Premier League title in controversial fashion as a hugely contentious decision to disallow Callum Wilson's stoppage-time goal handed the leaders a vital 1-0 win against West Ham on Sunday. Mikel Arteta's side struggled to break down West Ham in a tense derby at the London Stadium before Leandro Trossard struck with a deflected effort seven minutes from full-time. But Arsenal's title rivals Manchester City will be furious that West Ham were denied a last-gasp equaliser for Pablo's foul on Gunners keeper David Raya, whose fumble was fired home by Wilson. Pablo had his arm across Raya's chest in the incident but the contact was minimal, with West Ham also claiming fouls by Declan Rice and Trossard at the same moment. In what could be the defining image of the title race, referee Chris Kavanagh and the VAR officials took an age to disallow the goal, with the verdict eventually sparking outraged jeers from West Ham fans, while Arteta clenched his fists in relief. Arsenal are five points clear of second-placed City, whose 3-0 win against Brentford on Saturday had kept the pressure on the leaders. City can close within two points of Arsenal if they win their game in hand at home to Crystal Palace on Wednesday. But Arsenal know they are guaranteed to seal the title if they win their last two games against and Crystal Palace. The Gunners' mental strength has been questioned numerous times in recent years, but they showed spirit and desire in equal measure to edge ever closer to a long-awaited first title in 22 years. Arsenal have also reached their first Champions League final since 2006, beating in the last four on Tuesday, and will face in the final in Budapest on May 30. Winning their 14th English title and a maiden Champions League crown would make it the greatest season in the club's 139-year history. , a key figure in the unbeaten "Invincibles" side who were the last Arsenal team to win the title in 2003-04, recently said Arteta's squad would be known as the "unforgettables" if they lift both trophies. For the thousands of Arsenal supporters crammed into one end of the London Stadium, this was a result they will never forget if the title is secured over the next two weeks.

Q&A

What was the controversial VAR decision in the Arsenal vs West Ham match?

The VAR disallowed a stoppage-time goal by Callum Wilson for West Ham due to a foul on Arsenal's goalkeeper David Raya.

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

Arsenal is currently five points clear of second-placed Manchester City.

What does Arsenal need to do to secure the Premier League title?

Arsenal can secure the title by winning their last two games against Burnley and Crystal Palace.

Who will Arsenal face in the Champions League final?

Arsenal will face Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final on May 30.