Arsenal’s Premier League title hopes were dramatically boosted by a call to rule out West Ham’s stoppage-time equaliser on Sunday.
Callum Wilson thought he had rescued a late point for the Hammers after smashing the ball into the back of the net.
But his goal was disallowed after a lengthy delay after his team-mate Pablo was adjudged to have fouled David Raya while the corner was flying into the box.
VAR official Darren England could not make up his mind over the foul and instead sent referee Chris Kavanagh to the screen to review the incident.
There Kavanagh saw how Pablo had his arm across Raya’s chest, impeding him from catching the ball or parrying it away.
The goal was ruled out and from there, Arsenal clung on for a nail-biting final few minutes to win 1-0 and open up a five-point gap over Manchester City.
West Ham’s equalising goal against Arsenal was ruled out for this foul on David Raya
Raya insisted that Pablo had fouled him and Chris Kavanagh eventually agreed after being sent to the screen to review the flashpoint
If Arsenal had merely drawn, they would have only been three points ahead of City, who have a game in hand.
But the title race remains firmly in their hands while West Ham are even closer to relegation.
The Hammers are a point behind Tottenham, who have a game in hand against Leeds on Monday night.
In some respects, this could be the most influential review decision to be made in history, as it could push Arsenal to a first title since 2004 and help end West Ham’s 14-season stay in the top flight.
Arsenal were only in the position to win after Leandro Trossard’s first goal of 2026 and a few critical saves from Raya.
Mikel Arteta immediately sensed that something was wrong with the stoppage-time flashpoint, signalling for a foul on the touchline while Arsenal’s players crowded around Kavanagh.
As several players grappled with each other in the box, Raya did get a finger to the ball but looked off balance and didn’t get much purchase on it.
Trossard told Sky Sports at full time: ‘David said straight away it was 100 per cent no goal, so I had a lot of faith, because he was really convincing. But you never know. It’s relief.’
The Sky Sports punditry team in the studio agreed with Raya’s assessment. Roy Keane was quick to highlight Pablo’s naivety in trying to block the goalkeeper, even as players from both teams committed possible fouls.
‘VAR are going to check everything,’ said Keane. ‘Don’t put your hands on the goalkeeper. I think it is a foul. He (Pablo) must know they’re going to check VAR.
Jarrod Bowen led the protests for West Ham. ‘When you look at the screen for five minutes, you’ll find something,’ he fumed at full time
‘It’s madness, there’s all sorts of fouls going on. It’s a foul. There was chaos everywhere.
‘His arm is across his throat. He (Raya) is an Arsenal player, he’s going to make the most of it! Don’t give such an obvious foul.’
Jamie Redknapp added: ‘Pablo has his arm on the goalkeeper and (the Arsenal fans) are just praying they can see that.
‘I don’t think I’ve ever seen more holding in my life, to unravel that moment… it was like watching the Super Bowl. It was chaos.’
West Ham star Jarrod Bowen revealed his anger at the decision after the game. ‘When you look at the screen for five minutes, you’ll find something,’ he fumed. ‘There was a lot of grappling and a lot of holding. The goalkeeper has to expect contact.
‘I’m sure if you look long enough you’ll find something. Do I think it’s the right decision? No.’
