Arsenal extend Premier League lead following tactical adjustments and controversial VAR ruling
The Gunners move five points clear at the summit of the table as pundits credit the manager's bold changes and the video assistant referee's intervention in the title race.
Arsenal have restored their five-point lead at the summit of the Premier League table following a 1-0 victory against West Ham United at the London Stadium. The result sees the Gunners holding 79 points from 36 games, a position that moves them closer to securing their first league title since 2004.
The match narrative shifted dramatically in stoppage time when West Ham substitute Callum Wilson appeared to slam a shot through the goal. However, the goal was disallowed after a lengthy review by the video assistant referee. The decision was confirmed by referee Chris Kavanagh following an analysis that determined a foul had been committed by West Ham substitute Pablo on Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya.
Match of the Day pundit Danny Murphy has highlighted that Arteta's final three substitutions were the only ones to succeed, with the introduction of Martin Odegaard and Leandro Trossard specifically credited for breaking the deadlock. Murphy noted that Arteta's decision to sub Bukayo Saka with Noni Madueke in the 79th minute was a particularly bold gamble that paid off, as Saka had been Arsenal's best player until that point.
Leandro Trossard provided the decisive goal in the 83rd minute, guiding a low shot home after an assist from Odegaard. The incident occurred after West Ham substitute Callum Wilson hammered a finish into the net, appearing to slam a shot through the goal in the dying moments of the match. However, the goal was subsequently disallowed after VAR Darren England, working alongside referee Chris Kavanagh, concluded that the contact between Pablo and Raya constituted a foul.
Arsenal started Sunday's game with exactly the sort of intent they needed, pressing well and moving quickly. However, after the first change bringing Martin Zubimendi on for the injured Ben White after 28 minutes did not work, Arteta changed things again at half-time. He brought Mosquera on at right-back and took off Calafiori, a move that surprised some observers given Calafiori's goal threat in the first half.
The most credit has to go to Arteta for his management, as his boldness combined with the squad's strength meant they could take another big step towards the Premier League title. When Odegaard came on, he looked like he had a point to prove and lifted everything about the way Arsenal were playing, eventually finding space to play the perfect pass for Trossard.
The controversy surrounding the disallowed goal stems from a season-long debate regarding the frequency of fouls at corners and set-plays, with Arsenal having previously benefited from unpunished infractions of a similar nature. While the reality is that a foul was committed, the irony remains that the decision frustrates many because it is Arsenal who have benefited from the officials acting now.
