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Arsenal Win 1-0 Over West Ham After VAR Disallow

5/13/2026

Summary

Arsenal Victory

Arsenal defeated West Ham 1-0 after VAR disallowed Callum Wilson’s equaliser for a foul on goalkeeper David Raya.
Referee Chris Kavanagh and VAR Darren England ruled that West Ham midfielder Declan Rice held Raya’s arm, awarding a free-kick.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta praised the officials for overturning the goal.
West Ham will contact the Professional Game Match Officials for clarification while Arsenal kept a five-point lead over Manchester City.

Summary

Webb Declares Penalty

PGMOL chief refereeing officer Mark Webb, 54, said the foul on David Raya was “categorically” a penalty.
Former players Jamie Carragher, Gary Neville and Ian Wright backed the decision, while Peter Schmeichel and Shay Given argued the goal should have stood.
FIFA is reportedly considering granting World Cup referees extra powers to manage “penalty-box grappling.”
Webb delivered his comments on the TV programme “Match Officials Mic’D Up.”
The interview highlighted that officials have reminded players all season that any arm-holding of a goalkeeper will be penalised.
Paris Saint-Germain were noted preparing for controversial Arsenal tactics ahead of the Champions League final.

Summary

VAR Flags

Officials say they consult clubs, fan groups and stakeholders about play style and note VAR must intervene when the referee cannot see a foul in a crowded penalty area.
VAR flagged Pablo for fouling goalkeeper David Raya before Callum Wilson’s disallowed goal.
Officials stress not every contact is a foul, aim for a nuanced approach, and seek to align officiating standards with clubs’ expectations while preserving flow.

Summary

De Zerbi Criticizes

Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi said referee Jarred Gillett warned him about a yellow card for leaving technical area, claiming referee’s unease sped match up and that foul on West Ham goalkeeper David Raya was a 200 % infringement.
Former West Ham manager Alan Pardew said Wilson’s disallowed goal should be ruled out for Pablo Felipe’s foul and urged Professional Game Match Officials (PGMO) to give guidance on pressure after VAR.

History

Historical Context

The International Football Association Board approved VAR for the 2018 World Cup, the tournament featuring 64 matches, where Moscow’s single VAR centre oversaw the first tournament-ever video-reviewed goal on 15 June and a penalty on 16 June. That precedent shaped today’s Premier League, as PGMOL chief Mark Webb cited the same protocol to disallow Callum Wilson’s goal for Arsenal against West Ham.

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Arsenal Victory

Arsenal defeated West Ham 1-0 after VAR disallowed Callum Wilson’s equaliser for a foul on goalkeeper David Raya.
Referee Chris Kavanagh and VAR Darren England ruled that West Ham midfielder Declan Rice held Raya’s arm, awarding a free-kick.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta praised the officials for overturning the goal.
West Ham will contact the Professional Game Match Officials for clarification while Arsenal kept a five-point lead over Manchester City.

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