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VAR could be worth a title and survival

The VAR decision in stoppage time during the West Ham v Arsenal match prevented the home side from securing a draw that would have completely changed the Premier League landscape.

By: Antxon Pascual

May 12, 2026

leaguePremier League teamArsenal teamWest Ham United teamManchester City teamTottenham coachMikel Arteta coachNuno Espirito Santo coachPep Guardiola coachRoberto De Zerbi

Referee Chris Kavanagh had signalled seven minutes of stoppage time for the London derby between West Ham and Arsenal, which was taking place at the London Stadium. Mikel Arteta’s side were leading by the narrowest of margins thanks to a goal from Trossard in the 83rd minute, which had given the ‘Gunners’ the win. Hermanese, the home side’s goalkeeper, came up to meet a corner in one of his team’s final chances.

The ball flew over David Raya’s six-yard box; he was unable to clear it and the rebound fell to Wilson. The West Ham striker scored the equaliser to send the London Stadium and the Etihad Stadium into a frenzy, as Manchester City were once again in control of their own destiny. But following a VAR review, Chris Kavanagh decided to award a foul against the Spanish Arsenal goalkeeper.

He could also have awarded a penalty for a pull-back, but opted for the attacking foul instead. Consequently, Tottenham celebrated just as much as Arsenal, as the point meant West Ham had caught up with them in the table. And Manchester City must beat Crystal Palace in their postponed match on Wednesday to stay in the title race; had Arsenal drawn, they would have played to take the lead with two games remaining.

Premier League table after matchday 36

Arsenal 79 points +42
Manchester City 74 points +40
Manchester United 65 points 15
Liverpool 59 points 12
Aston Villa 59 points 4
Bournemouth 55 points 4

Arsenal, two games away from glory

Mikel Arteta’s men celebrated their victory in style on the pitch at the London Stadium. It was hard-fought, as West Ham could have taken the lead shortly before Trossard’s goal, but David Raya made a crucial save. They now know they are two matches away from winning the Premier League again, 22 years after ‘The Invincibles’ did so in 2004.

To do so, they must win their remaining two matches, provided Manchester City do not drop any points along the way. The first is this weekend against relegated Burnley at the Emirates Stadium. The second and final match is in London, away to Crystal Palace, just three days before their rivals – who have nothing to play for – take part in the Conference League final.

As things stand, Arsenal are in a strong position to be crowned Premier League champions. Manchester City must win all three of their remaining matches and hope that Mikel Arteta’s side fail to secure the six points at stake. Sunday’s VAR intervention in the West Ham v Arsenal match could tip the Premier League title in the Gunners’ favour.