Arsenal survive incredible late VAR drama to close in on PL title

VAR had its biggest moment in Premier League history as Arsenal held on to beat West Ham 1-0 after Callum Wilson's 95th-minute equaliser was ruled out for a foul on David Raya.

Leandro Trossard's late winner set the Gunners on course for a crucial win in the Premier League title race, but with time nearly up Wilson fired home from a corner to send the London Stadium into a frenzy.

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However, the VAR spotted the arm of West Ham's Pablo across Raya's neck as the Arsenal goalkeeper fumbled the initial delivery into the box. Referee Chris Kavanagh was sent to the monitor by VAR Darren England and disallowed the goal.

There were two minutes and 35 seconds between the ball crossing the line and Kavanagh being sent to the monitor.

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Referee Kavanagh then watched 17 replays of the incident before making his decision. In total, it took 4 minutes and 17 seconds between the ball crossing the line and a foul being awarded.

"I think it's a foul," said Sky Sports Gary Neville. "He's holding Raya. It is the biggest moment in VAR history in the Premier League."

Had it stood, Wilson's goal would have cut Arsenal's lead at the top to three points - and Manchester City could have returned to the top of the table with a win in their game in hand over Crystal Palace on Wednesday, live on Sky Sports.

But instead, Arsenal's lead is at five points - and with relegated Burnley at home and a final day visit to Crystal Palace remaining this season - they have taken a big step to a first Premier League title in 22 years.

West Ham, meanwhile, remain in the relegation zone and Tottenham could go four points clear of them if they beat Leeds - who are now safe along with Nottingham Forest and Crystal Palace - live on Sky Sports' Monday Night Football.

Nuno Espirito Santo: "There is a referee and VAR, there are circumstances in the past that have been judged different. Even the referees don't know what is a foul and what is not a foul, It creates doubt."

Jarrod Bowen: "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. If you look at something long enough, you will find something to give."

Mikel Arteta: "It's a call from the refs that I think is very brave, but very consistent with what they've been talking about all season. So when I have to be critical, I have been. And today I have to praise them, at least for giving the option to a referee to decide. When you look at the action in that way, I think it is an obvious error."

Roy Keane: "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."

Ian Wright: "I'm not a fan of VAR but in this instance it did the job. For me it was an easy one to give in such a tense moment."

Jamie Redknapp: "He's got his left arm across his neck. It's a foul."

Leandro Trossard: "Raya said straight away it can't be a goal. At that moment, I had a lot of faith. I believed because he was pretty convincing, but you never know."

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It was a tricky afternoon for Arsenal for 83 minutes - mostly due to Mikel Arteta's own doing. After a dominant start which saw Trossard hit the bar twice from the same corner, Riccardo Calafiori go close - it all threatened to unravel after Ben White's injury.

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Arteta brought on Martin Zubimendi - moving Declan Rice to right-back. But as West Ham grew into the game, Arteta reversed that decision at half-time - bringing Cristhian Mosquera on to move Rice back into midfield.