Mikel Arteta praises 'brave' officials after VAR hands Arsenal vital win over West Ham

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Mikel Arteta hailed the officials for being “brave” after the biggest VAR decision in Premier League history. Arsenal hung on to a precious victory in the title race after West Ham had a 95th-minute equaliser disallowed for a foul on Gunners keeper David Raya after a lengthy VAR check .

Referee Chris Kavanagh ruled it out after watching the replay 17 times on a VAR screen, with the whole process taking four minutes and 17 seconds to decide West Ham substitute Pablo had fouled Raya.

It ensured Arsenal went five points clear, pushed West Ham closer to relegation and caused fury among the home fans and that decision could be vital in who wins the title and gets relegated. Leandro Trossard got Arsenal's 83rd-minute winner.

Gunners boss Arteta said: “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 it is a free kick and the goal has to be disallowed. So congratulations because they made a big call in very, very difficult circumstances.

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“Probably today I have realised how difficult and how big is the referee's job. Because you're talking about a moment that can decide the history, the course, of two massive clubs that they are fighting with their lives to achieve their objectives. And the pressure is huge.

“I feel so happy, so proud. Relieved as well, because we knew the difficulty of the game. But we've done it. It's been a phenomenal week in every sense.”

West Ham boss Nuno Espirito Santo was furious as he insisted it should have been disallowed and said the inconsistency leaves “everyone confused.”

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Hammers captain Jarrod Bowen said: “A real blow. We thought we'd done so well to get back in it and had it taken away from us. When you look at the screen for five minutes you'll find something - a lot of grappling and a lot of holding.

“I'm sure if you look long enough you'll find something. Do I think it's the right decision? No. Frustration. Where's the consistency? It's going to be tough now. We never say never at this club. We have two games left. We did a lot of good things today. We have to win.”

Arsenal face Burnley and Crystal Palace in their final two league games as they attempt to win the Premier League title for the first time in 22 years. West Ham, meanwhile, need a favour from Leeds when they travel to 17th-placed Tottenham , who sit a point above the Hammers, on Monday night.

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