Mikel Arteta commended match officials for their bravery after VAR disallowed a late equalizer by West Ham in their 1-0 loss to Arsenal. The decision came after a review showed a foul by West Ham's Pablo on Arsenal's goalkeeper David Raya.
Key points
Mikel Arteta praised match officials for their bravery
West Ham's late equalizer was disallowed after VAR review
Pablo's foul on David Raya led to the goal being ruled out
Arsenal won the match 1-0 against West Ham
Mentioned in this story
Mikel ArtetaChris KavanaghDavid RayaPablo
ArsenalWest Ham United
Mikel Arteta has praised the bravery shown by match officials after ruling out West Ham's dramatic late equaliser in Arsenal's 1-0 win at the London Stadium.
Callum Wilson thought he had rescued a point in the 95th minute for 18th-placed West Ham until a lengthy VAR check ensued and replays showed Hammers striker Pablo had his arm across David Raya, leading to the goalkeeper fumbling the initial delivery.
Referee Chris Kavanagh was then advised to check the on-field monitor before eventually disallowing the goal.
See every story in Sports — including breaking news and analysis.
Arsenal's narrow lead remained intact as a result, sending them five points clear of Manchester City at the top of the table with two games to go, while West Ham missed out on a crucial point which would have moved them level on points with Tottenham in 17th.
"When I had to be critical, I have been," Arteta told Sky Sports. "Today I have to congratulate them [VAR].
"You needed a lot of courage and bravery to stand out and give the opportunity to the referee to have a look at the action.
"When you see the picture, there is no question that it is a clear foul. They were very brave.
"The action deserved that. In my opinion, it is very clear. They are the rules and we ask for consistency."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
West Ham vs Arsenal highlights
Highlights from the Premier League match between West Ham and Arsenal
Nuno: Referees don't know what a foul is!
West Ham boss Nuno Espirito Santo was hesitant to comment on the incident but did question what he sees as a lack of clarity regarding what is considered a foul.
Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: "Due to the circumstances and the way it finished, we are all upset,
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
West Ham boss Nuno Espirito Santo believes the referees don't know what is or isn't a foul.
"Look, there is a referee and VAR, there is circumstances in the past that have been judged differently. Let's not go further than that.
"Due to the recent seasons, it has been happening [similar incidents]. Even the referees don't know what is a foul and what is not a foul, It creates doubt.
"Let's look at the game overall. We made a very good match. Arsenal is a tough team. We lost the game."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Raya fouled in box - West Ham vs Arsenal
West Ham forward Callum Wilson saw his equaliser disallowed after a lengthy VAR check showed a foul on David Raya
Bowen: Look for five minutes and you'll find something
West Ham forward JarrodBowen said his team were unlucky to see their late equaliser ruled out and Raya "has to expect contact" in those situations.
"Because we are on the receiving end, we will feel hard done by," he said.
"Football is a sport that brings enjoyment and brings big moments. We had our big moment and thought we got back in the game.
"Look at something for five minutes, trying to find something.
"Goalkeepers are protected more than outfield players and there is a lot of holding inside the box. Are you going to look at those every time and give a penalty? That is the only way that is the right way to do it.
"You can't wipe a goalkeeper out but the keeper has come in to grab the ball and has to expect contact. It's the Premier League; there is going to be contact.
"We had one at Brentford last week when Tomas Soucek got pulled at the back post and did not get a penalty. I just think, as I said, if you look at something long enough, you will find something to give.
"I can guarantee that pundits and people watching know football is a physical game. If you're going to give it, give it every week. Where is the line and where is the bar?"
