Arsenal moved to the brink of their first Premier League title since 2004 after a dramatic 1-0 victory at West Ham United on Sunday, restoring their five-point lead at the top of the table.
Leandro Trossard’s 83rd-minute strike, a low finish from Martin Odegaard’s pass, sparked wild celebrations among Arsenal fans and left West Ham reeling. The visitors survived a huge scare deep in stoppage time when a West Ham equalizer from substitute Callum Wilson was ruled out after a lengthy VAR review for a foul on goalkeeper David Raya.
The win puts Arsenal within touching distance of the championship. They will be crowned champions if they win their remaining two games: at home to Burnley and away to Crystal Palace on the final day. Arsenal have 79 points from 36 matches, while Manchester City, with a game in hand, are on 74.
For West Ham, the defeat was a bitter blow, leaving them staring at relegation. They now sit 18th, a point behind 17th-placed Tottenham Hotspur, who face Leeds United on Monday.
The VAR decision, described by Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville as “the biggest VAR call in the history of the Premier League,” could prove decisive in the title race. But for Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, it was a moment of relief after a tense encounter.
Arsenal started strongly, with Trossard twice denied by West Ham keeper Mads Hermansen and the woodwork. Riccardo Calafiori also saw a goal-bound effort blocked. West Ham grew into the game and almost took the lead before halftime when Valentin Castellanos’ header was saved by Raya.
Arsenal suffered a blow when right-back Ben White limped off injured in the first half, forcing Arteta to reshuffle. But they held firm, and Trossard’s late winner sealed a vital three points.
Burnley dent Villa’s European dreams
Aston Villa’s Champions League hopes suffered a setback as they were held to a 2-2 draw by already-relegated Burnley on Sunday. Three days after sealing a place in the Europa League final, Villa fell behind to an early Jaidon Anthony goal. Ross Barkley equalized before halftime, and Ollie Watkins put Villa ahead early in the second half. But Burnley leveled through Zian Flemming, and neither side could find a winner.
The result leaves Villa fifth on 59 points, while Burnley remain 19th. Villa manager Unai Emery said: “I’m happy how we are competing in two competitions. It’s not easy to compete in the Premier League but we’re in the top-five and that’s fantastic.”
Crystal Palace rally to hold Everton
Crystal Palace, fresh from booking a place in the Conference League final, twice came from behind to draw 2-2 at Everton. James Tarkowski put Everton ahead early, but Ismaila Sarr equalized. Beto restored Everton’s lead with a brilliant solo effort, but Palace substitute Jean-Philippe Mateta struck in the 76th minute to earn a point. Everton are 10th on 49 points, while Palace are 14th on 44.
“It’s amazing that we are talking about Everton possibly being in Europe with two games to go,” said Everton boss David Moyes. “It’s getting tougher every game we’re not winning.”
Nottingham Forest snatch late draw against Newcastle
Nottingham Forest edged closer to Premier League survival after Elliot Anderson scored an 88th-minute equalizer against his former club Newcastle United. Harvey Barnes had put Newcastle ahead in the 74th minute, but Anderson’s late strike extended Forest’s unbeaten league run to eight matches. The point lifted Forest seven points clear of the relegation zone, while Newcastle’s European hopes were further dented.