Arsenal on Sunday moved closer to the English Premier League title in controversial fashion as a hugely contentious decision to disallow Callum Wilson’s stoppage-time goal handed the leaders a vital 1-0 win against West Ham United.
Mikel Arteta’s side struggled to break down West Ham in a tense derby at the London Stadium before Leandro Trossard struck with a deflected effort seven minutes from full-time.
However, Arsenal’s title rivals Manchester City would be furious that West Ham were denied a last-gasp equalizer for Pablo’s foul on Gunners goalkeeper David Raya, whose fumble was fired home by Wilson.
Photo: AFP
Pablo had his arm across Raya’s chest in the incident, but the contact was minimal, with West Ham also claiming fouls by Declan Rice and Trossard at the same moment.
In what could be the defining image of the title race, referee Chris Kavanagh and the video assistant referee officials took an age to disallow the goal, with the verdict eventually sparking outraged jeers from West Ham fans, while Arteta clenched his fists in relief.
Arsenal are five points clear of second-placed City, whose 3-0 win against Brentford on Saturday had kept the pressure on the leaders.
City can close within two points of Arsenal if they win their game in hand at home to Crystal Palace tomorrow.
However, Arsenal know they are guaranteed to seal the title if they win their last two games against Burnley and Crystal Palace.
The Gunners’ mental strength has been questioned numerous times in the past few years, but they showed spirit and desire in equal measure to edge ever closer to a long-awaited first title in 22 years.
Arsenal have also reached their first UEFA Champions League final since 2006, beating Atletico Madrid in the last four on Tuesday last week, and are to face Paris Saint-Germain in the final in Budapest on May 30.
Winning their 14th English title and a maiden Champions League crown would make it the greatest season in the club’s history.
Thierry Henry, a key figure in the unbeaten “Invincibles” side who were the last Arsenal team to win the title in 2003-2004, recently said Arteta’s squad would be known as the “unforgettables” if they lift both trophies.
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