West Ham 0-1 Arsenal: Gary Neville calls decision to disallow Hammers' equaliser 'the biggest moment in VAR history'
Gary Neville has called decision to overturn West Ham's equaliser against Arsenal 'biggest moment in VAR history'; Callum Wilson struck injury-time leveller, awarded by the on-field referee, but was eventually chalked off after lengthy VAR review
Sunday 10 May 2026 20:38, UK
Gary Neville has called the decision to disallow West Ham's 95th-minute equaliser in a 1-0 defeat to Premier League title hopefuls Arsenal the 'biggest moment in VAR history'.
Arsenal were leading 1-0 when Callum Wilson struck a last-gasp leveller, the ball clearly crossing the line despite Declan Rice's best efforts to keep it out. Referee Chris Kavanagh awarded the goal on field.
But the strike did not survive a lengthy VAR process. Kavanagh was sent to the pitchside monitor to review the incident by VAR official Darren England and after 17 replays, totalling four minutes and 17 seconds worth of stoppage, eventually ruled that there had been a foul by Pablo on David Raya.
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"This is an earthquake, a tremor of a moment," Neville said on commentary at the London Stadium.
"Arsenal Football Club's first title in 22 years could rest on this. This is one of those moments where Arsenal might think their name is on the trophy...
"VAR Darren England is the FA Cup referee. He won't face a more pressurised moment than that at Wembley."
"I have to say the big striker has got his arm across David Raya. He does disrupt him.
"VAR, what are they going to do? It is probably the biggest moment in VAR history in the Premier League. This is massive.
"I think it's a foul. His arm is held on Raya. It's on him all the time. He's holding across his neck and chest. I think it's a foul.
"But have VAR got the nerve, the guts, the courage to make the decision? This is massive for refereeing in this country. This is too big to get wrong."
The denial of the goal has big ramifications at both ends of the Premier League. Arsenal's fate remains in their hands and they are now two wins away from clinching the title.
Perhaps just as significant, though, is West Ham's predicament at the bottom.
Their 18th loss of the campaign has ensured the safety of both Nottingham Forest and Leeds, meaning their only hope of avoiding the drop now rests on Tottenham taking their place in the relegation zone.
Spurs, who are one point ahead of West Ham, face Leeds on Monday Night Football.
Speaking after the match, Roy Keane added: "The one thing you say when you go up, VAR are going to check everything, do not put your hands on the goalkeeper! Certainly don't leave it on for three or four seconds.
"There is all sorts going on but because the goalkeeper had such a big part to play, I think it is a foul. It was really silly from West Ham. Don't make it such an obvious foul because they are going to check."
Sky Sports' Jamie Redknapp also agreed with the decision and said "it was a brave VAR call but it was the right one".
Former Arsenal and West Ham striker Ian Wright said it was "without doubt" the correct decision.
"I think David Raya catches that simply if he's not impeded," Wright said. "You can see it there, pulling him there, and then the arm comes across."
Nuno: Referees don't know what a foul is
West Ham boss Nuno Espirito Santo speaking to Sky Sports:
"Due to the circumstances and the way it finished, we are all upset.
"Look, there is a referee and VAR, there is circumstances in the past that have been judged different. 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."
Bowen: Raya has to expect contact
West Ham captain Jarrod Bowen also had his say on the incident after the game, claiming goalkeepers get extra protection from officials and that Raya should have been expecting contact from players challenging for the ball.
"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.
"I just think 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?"
Arteta: I congratulate the referees, it took bravery
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta speaking to Sky Sports:
"I am going to certainly remember this day. It was a rollercoaster of emotions.
"We knew it was going to be tough day; they are fighting for their lives and we are trying to win the Premier League.
"When I had to be critical, I have been. Today I have to congratulate them [the referees]. You need 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."
