Arsenal: Mikel Arteta praises the 'bravery' shown by match officials after disallowing West Ham's late equaliser
Mikel Arteta has applauded the bravery shown by VAR and referee Chris Kavanagh after disallowing West Ham's late equaliser at the London Stadium; Arsenal won 1-0 to move five clear at the top of the table; Callum Wilson's late goal was disallowed due to a foul from Pablo on David Raya
Sunday 10 May 2026 19:54, UK
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. Two minutes and 35 seconds passed between the ball crossing the line and the referee being sent to review the incident.
Kavanagh watched 17 replays in total and overall, it took four minutes and 17 seconds to come to a decision.
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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."
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,
"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."
Bowen: Look for five minutes and you'll find something
West Ham forward Jarrod Bowen 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?"
