The dramatic climax of the crucial clash between Arsenal and West Ham unfolded in stunning fashion. Mikel Arteta’s side battled to a 83rd-minute goal from Leandro Trossard, but almost threw away the victory.
In the 95th minute, West Ham earned a corner kick, with goalkeeper Mads Hermansen even charging forward. During the delivery, the two goalkeepers clashed in a heated battle for position. The ball bounced loose to Callum Wilson, who slotted home from the center of the box. It seemed like a 1-1 draw.
The Hammers celebrated, delighting themselves and Pep Guardiola – but VAR intervened.
Arsenal players immediately rushed to referee Chris Kavanagh, arguing that Raya had been fouled.
Officials spent several minutes reviewing replays. It emerged that Pablo Felipe had placed his arm directly on Raya’s throat, obstructing his attempt to reach the ball.
Kavanagh was called over to review the incident himself – and he disallowed the goal.
This was a monumental decision, as it could influence both Arsenal’s title aspirations and West Ham’s potential relegation.
Kavanagh announced over the stadium speakers: “Confirmed foul by number 19 [Pablo Felipe] on the goalkeeper. Final decision – free kick.”
Ironically, Mikel Arteta’s team has often been accused of physical play against goalkeepers during set pieces this season. For example, many recalled how Gabriel was forgiven for a similar hand incident against Emiliano Martínez.
West Ham’s most vocal post-match reaction came from Jarrod Bowen. The midfielder expressed frustration over inconsistency: “Do I think it was the right call? No. I’m disappointed. Where’s the consistency? Fans don’t want to celebrate a goal, then wait eight minutes and see it taken away. When you watch a screen for five minutes, you’re bound to find something. There’s plenty of contact on corners. That’s what the Premier League is about – physicality. If you start penalizing that, then you have to call every hold, which isn’t what people want to see in football.”
What’s your take: was the disallowal correct? Or should the goal have stood?
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Photo: Gettyimages.ru / Alex Pantling
Do you agree with the goal being disallowed?
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Yes, clear foul
No, it was within the limits
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Mads Hermansen, Arsenal, West Ham, Referees, Premier League England, David Raya, Pablo Felipe, Chris Kavanagh, Jarrod Bowen