This was the biggest VAR call since the controversial technology was introduced into the Premier League in 2019. The biggest in its chequered history. And it might have decided not just who wins the title but who is relegated. Yes, it was that big, that consequential, that dramatic. Certainly if Arsenal are champions they can thank VAR.
It is hard to think of a single incident that had such a potentially profound effect. And not least because it also came deep into injury-time.
We always want justice to be served. But do we want seasons to come down to this? Whatever the rights and wrongs, it does not feel satisfactory.
It was undoubtedly a monumental and multi-million-pound decision by VAR Darren England when he told the referee Christopher Kavanagh to review whether a “goal” by West Ham substitute Callum Wilson’s should stand.
Everyone held their breath, across the country, around the world even, and especially in Manchester, where City manager Pep Guardiola had declared “Come on you Irons!” in the hope they could stop Arsenal winning. The same could be said of the other side of north London where Tottenham Hotspur fans will have had their hearts in their mouths after it looked like West Ham had salvaged a point and pulled them further back into trouble.
The irony was that it involved Arsenal conceding from a corner, considering their set-piece prowess. So, what happened? The ball came in, it slipped through David Raya’s fingers and in the mayhem eventually Wilson fired home.
So would that be the story? Arsenal blowing it? They immediately cried foul. On the touchline Mikel Arteta smacked his arm to highlight how West Ham substitute Pablo did have his up and across Raya. The wait carried on and on.
The longer it continued, the more it seemed like it would be disallowed. And it was. The incident was shown 17 times – 17 – to Kavanagh on the monitor and it took four minutes and 17 seconds, from being “scored” to being disallowed. It felt far longer.
The consensus – from pundits, former players and commentators – was that it was the right decision. So fair enough. Maybe Pablo’s arm did impede Raya and he certainly had his hand on him. But was it conclusive as a clear and obvious error? Look again at the replay. Firstly, the eye is drawn to Rice rugby-tackling Konstantinos Mavropanos. That would have been a penalty had the ball not ended up in the net. So that is a distraction and can be discounted.
But now look at Leandro Trossard. What is he doing? Trossard is walking towards goal with his arms on Pablo, pushing the forward into Raya. Evidently that movement was deemed to be immaterial. Maybe he was being dragged. But was it, also, conclusive? Did it affect what Pablo did?
Then there is another issue. An even bigger, wider one: Consistency. Such goals have been given every week this season in the WWF that is the Premier League. But not this one. Not the one that might have the greatest influence on how the campaign ends. And not just for them.
Pablo’s arm clearly did impede David Raya (above) but, as the image below shows, there was a lot more happening, not least Declan Rice appearing to rugby tackle Konstantinos Mavropanos – Marc Atkins/Getty Images
Sky Sports
At the final whistle Arteta ran to Raya to congratulate him. Not just for what happened with the disallowed goal but also because before Arsenal scored, through Trossard, the goalkeeper had made an outstanding save to deny Mateus Fernandes after the midfielder exchanged passes and was through on goal. It was exceptional.
Arsenal got lucky. No bones about it. This was as fraught and nervy as it could possibly have been. The stakes were high and, in the cold light of day, Arteta will know this was one he got away with – especially after a poor substitution in which he brought on Martin Zubimendi, after a worrying injury to Ben White, and moved Declan Rice to right-back. With one move, Arteta lost Arsenal all the undoubted momentum they had when they appeared set to overwhelm West Ham. It was telling that Zubimendi was himself later substituted.
Before the White injury the shot count was 9-0 to Arsenal with Trossard hitting the post and West Ham goalkeeper Mads Hermansen making a couple of excellent saves. Afterwards, until Arteta moved Rice back at half-time following another injury, to Riccardo Calafiori, it was 2-1 to West Ham with Raya brilliantly denying Taty Castellanos.
But winners make their own luck and further changes by Arteta unquestionably worked and not least the introduction of Martin Odegaard who quickly created two chances, with Trossard emphatically taking the second – his shot deflecting in off Tomas Soucek.
It means that if Tottenham beat Leeds United at home on Monday, West Ham are all but down. They will be four points behind with just two games to play and while they are undoubtedly fighting and although this defeat felt cruel, they are running out of hope and road.
Arsenal are almost there. They are so close to winning the title for the first time in 22 years and whatever the controversy here, they will deserve it. If they beat relegated Burnley at home next Monday and Crystal Palace away on the final day of the season then there is nothing City can do. And City can only take it that far if they, also, keep winning. Starting with Palace at home this Wednesday, then Bournemouth away – how big does that feel? – and then Aston Villa at home.
So anxious was it that for Arsenal this was the opposite of a statement performance. Except, with the result, a statement was made. They are, indeed, almost there. The title should be theirs. But, goodness, how close they came to letting it slip through their fingers.
07:25pm
Arteta reflects on a mad ending
Mikel Arteta talks to Sky Sports:
“I am going to certainly remember this day. It was a rollercoaster of emotions.
“We knew it was going to be tough day; they are fighting for their lives and we are trying to win the Premier League.
“So much at stake. We started the game so well and had three big chances.
“Then the injury of Ben [White], we had to make a change and adapt, we had to make difficult decisions. We threw everything we had to try and win it.
“We were rewarded for that courage. Then there are two actions, one with David [Raya].
“He makes an incredible save and then the controversy around the disallowed goal, which is obviously a big decision.
“When I had to be critical, I have been. Today I have to congratulate them [referees]. You ened a lot of courage and bravery to stand out and give the opportunity to the referee to have a look at the action.
“When you see the picture, there is no question that it is a clear foul. They were very brave.
“The action deserved that. In my opinion, it is very clear. They are the rules and we ask for consistency.”
07:20pm
Nuno reacts
Speaking to Sky Sports, the West Ham manager said:
“The way the game finished – we’re all upset of course.
“I didn’t pay attention to the replay just to not get more upset but there’s a referee, there’s VAR, there’s circumstances in the past that would be judged different. Let’s not say much further than that.
“Due to the recent seasons it’s been happening and even the referees don’t know what is a foul, what isn’t a foul. It creates a lot of doubt and speculation around it.
“Let’s look at the game overall, before that we had a good chance. We made a good match – character, belief, how we played and went for it. Overall a good performance which in the end doesn’t come away with the result we wanted, needed and expected. We lost the game, finished.
“It was about being pragmatic, how to exploit weaknesses with our wing-backs and with exception to the goal we didn’t allow much to Arsenal. Tough team we played against, stadium was amazing – the noise, energy so thank you to fans. It’s our responsibility to bounce back, next two games and let’s fight until the last second.
“The idea was to press with wing-backs high and create a higher defensive line and the three boys did an amazing job.”
07:16pm
Read our separate explainer on the VAR drama
‘Biggest moment in VAR history’: the West Ham vs Arsenal incident dissected.
Find out more here.
06:59pm
Keane reflects on Arsenal’s nail-biting win
06:58pm
Arsenal’s match-winner Trossard speaks to Sky Sports
06:46pm
The full-time scenes
06:33pm
FT: West Ham 0 Arsenal 1
One of the most dramatic finales in Premier League history comes to a close, with Arsenal claiming a massive 1-0 victory over West Ham. Raya denied Fernandes with an incredible one-on-one save, before Trossard slammed Arsenal into the lead. Wilson thought he rescued a draw for West Ham with a late equaliser, but the goal was ruled out after a VAR review because Pablo fouled Raya at the corner. Arsenal now move five points clear at the top of the Premier League table, while West Ham stay in the relegation zone.
06:32pm
90+12 min: West Ham 0 Arsenal 1
We are well over the 100-minute mark, Arsenal are seconds away from the three points.
Here is confirmation and the reasoning as to why that West Ham goal was chalked off:
06:31pm
NO GOAL! West Ham’s leveller is disallowed
Pablo is deemed to have fouled Raya at the corner and the goal is ruled out. Arsenal celebrate and West Ham are furious. On commentary, Gary Neville called it “the biggest moment in VAR history in the Premier League.”
06:29pm
VAR! It’s been recommended for an on-field review
Is Pablo fouling Raya in the build up? Darren England at Stockley Park has sent Kavanagh over to the monitor. This decision will define the Premier League season.
06:28pm
GOAL! West ham find an equaliser but VAR is checking it
West Ham launch the ball into the box and Mavropanos knocks it down for Wilson. The striker’s goal-bound effort is blocked by Gabriel for a corner. Raya is under pressure from Pablo and can’t claim the delivery. The ball bounces to Wilson, who half-volleys a powerful effort over the line, despite Rice’s best efforts to keep it out. VAR is checking for a foul. That is one of the biggest moments and VAR calls in recent Premier League history.
06:24pm
90+3 min: West Ham 0 Arsenal 1
It’s desperate times for West Ham, who are frantically searching for an equaliser. Arsenal have got everyone apart from Gyokeres behind the ball.
06:22pm
90 min: West Ham 0 Arsenal 1
There will be six minutes of added time. Can Arsenal hold onto a monumentally important victory or can West Ham spoil their party?
06:21pm
88 min: West Ham 0 Arsenal 1
A member of West Ham’s coaching staff has been sent off after complaining to the referee about a decision. Saliba then picks up a yellow card for delaying a restart. West Ham know they must throw everyone forward now. Amid all the chaos, Wilson entered the action a few minutes ago, replacing Disasi, meaning the home side are now playing with a back four.
06:18pm
87 min: West Ham 0 Arsenal 1
West Ham tried to prevent any Arsenal supporters from buying tickets in the home sections but it seems a few made it through the various checks and hurdles. A couple of them down in front of the press box appear to have outed themselves as Gooners, and the home fans have not taken kindly to it. I could see a lot of pushing and shoving. The Arsenal fans appear to have been removed from the situation now.
06:17pm
84 min: West Ham 0 Arsenal 1
Odegaard took control of this game in the three minutes leading to that goal. Two brilliant passes in behind the West Ham defence, to Madueke then Havertz, and then the weaving run and quick passes to create the goal for Trossard. That’s technical quality and leadership.
06:14pm
GOAL! Trossard puts Arsenal in front and on the verge of a title-deciding win
Rice and Odegaard play a neat one-two, allowing the Arsenal captain to advance into the penalty area. He tees up Trossard, who slams a low, driven effort into the bottom corner. The away end goes mad. Could that be the goal the wins the title for Arsenal and plunges West Ham into the Championship?
06:12pm
81 min: West Ham 0 Arsenal 0
There is a straight swap on the Arsenal wing, with Madueke replacing Saka.
Once again the substitutions have not helped Arsenal. Havertz and Odegaard have barely seen the ball and Arteta’s side look dangerously open in midfield. They have lost their grip on the game and it required another brilliant save by David Raya to keep the scores level. West Ham are now the dominant side.
06:10pm
78 min: West Ham 0 Arsenal 0
Raya makes an incredible save! Fernandes and Pablo play a one-two, and the former Southampton man is through on goal. Time almost stood still as Fernandes advanced into the six-yard box, but Raya makes a potentially season-defining save, coming out to block the midfielder’s attempt.
06:08pm
77 min: West Ham 0 Arsenal 0
Saka’s frustrating outing continues as he trips Summerville to receive a yellow card.
06:07pm
76 min: West Ham 0 Arsenal 0
Bowen fizzes a cross into the box, forcing Raya to parry it out for a corner. The Arsenal goalkeeper then comes out commandingly to punch away the set piece.
06:05pm
74 min: West Ham 0 Arsenal 0
Saka dribbles and clips a cross into Gyokeres. The striker wins the header, but he loops it over the bar. You can feel the tension inside the stadium. Rice then finds Saka with a piercing pass. The winger takes a heavy touch, but he was in a offside position.
06:03pm
72 min: West Ham 0 Arsenal 0
West Ham counter and catch Arsenal in short numbers at the back. Diouf travels up the wing and fires a cross into the penalty area, which is aimed at the onrushing Pablo. However, Rice tracks back magnificently and intercepts the delivery.
06:01pm
70 min: West Ham 0 Arsenal 0
The decision is checked and cleared. Arsenal don’t get their penalty and play continues.
06:01pm
68 min: West Ham 0 Arsenal 0
Todibo is booked after hauling Gyokeres to the ground. Rice curls a free-kick into the penalty area and there’s a scramble inside West Ham’s six-yard box. Pablo was on the floor and the ball strikes his arm. VAR is checking it, but it’s highly unlikely it will be given as a penalty.
Arsenal wanted a penalty but the decision wasn’t given to the visitors – Andrew Couldridge/Action Images via Reuters
05:59pm
67 min: West Ham 0 Arsenal 0
West Ham make their first substitution of the game and it arrives in attack, with Pablo replacing Castellanos.
Arsenal then make a double change as Odegaard and Havertz come on for Eze and Zubimendi. The Spanish midfielder was only on the pitch for 39 minutes after replacing the injured White in the first half.
A measure of how much this game has changed since the Ben White substitution is that Martin Zubimendi, who was brought on for White, has already been removed. The Spanish midfielder had struggled to get into the game but it’s always brutal when a sub is subbed. Desperate times call for desperate measures…?
05:56pm
64 min: West Ham 0 Arsenal 0
Rice wins a free-kick after he is bumped off the ball by Fernandes, who is furious with the decision. The Arsenal man takes the set-piece, but Mosquera fouls Soucek and the chance disappears.
05:51pm
61 min: West Ham 0 Arsenal 0
Arsenal are enjoying plenty of possession in West Ham’s half, but they are not doing a huge amount with it aside from a couple of long-range shots by Bukayo Saka. I wonder how long it will be before Martin Odegaard, their chief creative talent, is introduced to the game.
05:49pm
58 min: West Ham 0 Arsenal 0
Arsenal have netted 11 goals in their previous two trips to the London Stadium in the Premier League, winning 6-0 and 5-2. However, they’re still waiting to unlock the West Ham defence today. Saka finds some space in an attacking pocket, but blasts his shot well over the bar.
Bukayo Saka and Arsenal are pushing for the opening goal – John Walton/PA
05:45pm
54 min: West Ham 0 Arsenal 0
Diouf does excellently to keep the ball in play and stop Arsenal from winning a corner. The West Ham defender then draws a foul from Saka to relieve the pressure on his side.
05:42pm
51 min: West Ham 0 Arsenal 0
West Ham have done superbly to keep Saka and Gyokeres quiet. Both Arsenal attackers have barely been involved in this game.
05:39pm
48 min: West Ham 0 Arsenal 0
This is the most angst-ridden title race, as you can sense from the speed of Mikel Arteta’s half-time exit down the West Ham tunnel. While Arsenal and Manchester City could finish this season with two trophies apiece, you would hardly know it from the high anxiety gripping both fanbases. Some City supporters booed their team after the first half against Brentford finished goalless, as did a fair few Arsenal fans after last month’s defeat at home to Bournemouth, prompting Rio Ferdinand to call them “entitled”. Ultimately, it is more desperation than entitlement. The intense yearning to end 22 years without a Premier League title comes down, to a large extent, to the next 45 minutes.
05:38pm
46 min: West Ham 0 Arsenal 0
We are back under way for the second half. Arsenal have made a change at the break, with Mosquera replacing Calafiori.
Arteta has changed it around again, with Mosquera replacing Calafiori and Lewis-Skelly moving to left-back. Rice, therefore, has returned to his usual midfield position.
That marks a swift correction of an error by Arteta, although it did effectively waste a substitution.
05:35pm
The managers are feeling the pressure
Nuno Espirito Santo looks on in distress – Justin Setterfield/Getty Images Europe
Mikel Arteta also looks tense on the sidelines – John Walton/PA
05:21pm
HT: West Ham 0 Arsenal 0
Referee Kavanagh sounds his whistle to conclude an enthralling first half at the London Stadium. Arsenal started the game brilliantly, with Hermansen tipping Trossard’s header against the bar from a corner, before Calafiori’s flick-on was cleared off the line by Mavropanos. An injury to White saw Zubimendi replace the midfielder and Rice move out to right back. Since then, West Ham have applied far greater pressure to the league leaders. At the end of the half, Castellanos’ diving header forced Raya in a notable save to keep the score level.
05:19pm
45 min: West Ham 0 Arsenal 0
Raya is called into action and makes a stunning save. Wan-Bissaka dispossesses Calafiori and drives down the wing. He swings an early cross into the box and Castellanos meets the delivery with a diving header. The striker’s attempt forces Raya into a tremendous diving save.
There will be three minutes of added time to conclude this first half.
The injury to White, and the subsequent repositioning of Rice as a right-back, has totally changed the flow of this game. Before that substitution on the 27th minute, Arsenal were leading the shot count by nine to zero. Since the change, West Ham have had two shots to Arsenal’s one.
05:14pm
41 min: West Ham 0 Arsenal 0
It’s been a pulsating and competitive game as we enter the final few minutes of the first half.
Arsenal started the better side but West Ham have grown into this game – ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP
05:10pm
38 min: West Ham 0 Arsenal 0
Summerville is the next West Ham player to be booked after clattering into Gabriel. It was an honest challenge, but a definite yellow card.
05:08pm
36 min: West Ham 0 Arsenal 0
Eze’s free-kick is disappointing and is easily blocked by West Ham’s wall. Summerville then drives at the Arsenal defence after slipping away from Lewis-Skelly, but he’s off-balance when he shoots, and his effort trickles wide.
05:06pm
34 min: West Ham 0 Arsenal 0
Castellanos receives the game’s first yellow card after bumping into Zubimendi, gifting Arsenal a free-kick in a dangerous area. Eze and Rice stand over it.
05:04pm
32 min: West Ham 0 Arsenal 0
It seems like that early change has given West Ham a lift and they’ve looked far more positive over the last few minutes. However, they’re yet to create a notable opening in this match.
05:01pm
30 min: West Ham 0 Arsenal 0
Very interesting substitution by Arteta, who appears to have decided to move Rice to right-back rather than replace White with Mosquera, who is a recognised defender. Rice has played right-back before this season, against Brighton at home, and did superbly. But it’s still a position in which he has precious little experience.
05:00pm
28 min: West Ham 0 Arsenal 0
That reshuffle sees Rice move out to right back. The midfielder has been one of Arsenal’s best performers this season. It’s an unexpected and bizarre tactical decision. Will it pay off for Arteta?
04:59pm
27 min: West Ham 0 Arsenal 0
It looks like White’s game is over. Rather surprisingly, it’s Zubimendi who is set to enter the action. Will Rice or Lewis-Skelly provide the cover at right back?
04:56pm
24 min: West Ham 0 Arsenal 0
There is a brief break in play as White is down on the ground following a firm 50-50 challenge with Summerville. He’s holding his knee and Mosquera is warming up.
04:55pm
22 min: West Ham 0 Arsenal 0
How have Arsenal not scored?! Rice whips a menacing cross into the box. Calafiori wins the flick-on at the near post, and his header is cleared off the line by former Arsenal man Mavronpanos. West Ham then scramble the ball clear. Somehow, this game is still level.
04:52pm
20 min: West Ham 0 Arsenal 0
Arsenal are in complete control so far. The only thing missing from their performance is a goal.
Arsenal have dominated the opening 20 minutes of this match – John Walton/PA
04:47pm
16 min: West Ham 0 Arsenal 0
Declan Rice has been given a curiously mixed reception on this return to his former club. On the left side of the pitch (as Arsenal attack) he has been applauded by the home fans. On the other flank, he has been booed.
04:46pm
13 min: West Ham 0 Arsenal 0
Calafiori and Gyokeres play a slick one-two on the edge of West Ham’s penalty area, after a quick exchange between Eze and Rice. Calafiori takes aim from range, but his fizzing strike narrowly flies over the bar. Arsenal have started his match with frightening intent.
04:44pm
11 min: West Ham 0 Arsenal 0
A lot has rightly been made of the importance of this match to West Ham, and how this trip to the London Stadium is therefore Arsenal’s biggest test remaining. What I would say, though, is that the atmosphere isn’t particularly intimidating so far. It’s certainly not the most hostile arena that Arsenal have played in this season.
04:43pm
9 min: West Ham 0 Arsenal 0
Trossard plays in Calafiori with a gorgeous outside-of-the-foot pass. The full-back advances into the penalty area, but instead of using his left foot, he opts to shoot with his right, allowing the West Ham defence to recover and block his attempt at goal. From the resulting corner, Trossard heads against the bar, with Hermansen tipping the ball against the woodwork. It prompts an almighty scramble inside the penalty area, which ends with a strike from Eze and a subsequent block for another Arsenal corner.
04:38pm
5 min: West Ham 0 Arsenal 0
Saliba wins the ball high up the pitch for Arsenal, allowing Rice to thread a pass into Saka. From a tight angle, the winger shoots, but his powerful effort is easily caught by Hermansen.
04:34pm
2 min: West Ham 0 Arsenal 0
The London Stadium is in great voice. Bowen and Summerville have taken up very narrow attacking positions, with wing-backs Diouf and Wan-Bissaka providing the width.
04:32pm
Kick-off
Arsenal get us under way at the London Stadium.
Arsenal start the match by launching the ball skyward, straight from kick-off. It’s a ploy that a few teams have tried this season, including Brentford. It didn’t really work for Arteta’s side but it did get the ball into the West Ham half, I suppose.
04:27pm
The players emerge from the tunnel
West Ham and Arsenal are out onto the pitch for this massive Premier League match. Will Arsenal extend their lead over Man City at the top of the table or can West Ham move out of the relegation zone?
04:17pm
Roy Keane and Ian Wright heap praise on Declan Rice
04:13pm
The warm ups
Jarrod Bowen in full focus during West Ham United’s warm up – TONY O BRIEN/REUTERS
Arsenal players tussle for the ball in their pre-match preparations – Justin Setterfield/Getty Images Europe
04:10pm
Nottingham Forest all but safe now
Elliot Anderson netted an 88th minute equaliser for Forest agaonst Newcastle to earn a 1-1 draw, propelling Vitor Pereira’s men up to 15th, level on points with Leeds (43). This means Forest are now seven points clear of West Ham, ramping up even more pressure on this game.
Elliot Anderson rescued a draw for Nottingham Forest against his former club – Jacob King/PA
04:00pm
Other Premier League results
Saturday 9th May
Liverpool 1 Chelsea 1
Brighton 3 Wolves 0
Fulham 0 Bournemouth 1
Sunderland 0 Manchester United 0
Manchester City 3 Brentford 0
Today
Burnley 2 Aston Villa 2
Crystal Palace 2 Everton 2
Nottingham Forest 1 Newcastle United 1
Monday 11th May
Tottenham Hotspur vs Leeds United (20:00)
03:55pm
Jamie Carragher: Arsenal’s ‘Invincibles’ are about to be joined by the ‘Immortals’
Our columnist looks at how Mikel Arteta and his Arsenal players are closing in on immortality: “Arsenal are two wins from greatness. Victory over West Ham United this weekend and Paris St-Germain at the end of the month would mean the “Invincibles” have been joined by the “Immortals”.
You can read Jamie’s article in full here.
03:45pm
Myles Lewis-Skelly’s resurgence continues
Arsenal are on a roll with this starting lineup and Arteta evidently wants to maintain that momentum. He’s named the same team for the third consecutive game, which means another start in central midfield for Myles Lewis-Skelly. The teenager’s return to prominence has been extraordinary, partly because it was so unexpected and partly because he has played with such maturity and class after so long out of the team.
Myles Lewis-Skelly has been in fantastic form for Arsenal at the business end of the season – Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images Europe
03:40pm
Fans flock to the London Stadium
Fans make their way to a potentially season-defining Premier League encounter in East London – John Walton/PA
West Ham queue outside the ground, with the club needing a win against the league leaders – Justin Setterfield/Getty Images Europe
03:32pm
Both sets of players arrive
03:28pm
The teams in full
West Ham: Hermansen, Disasi, Todibo, Mavropanos, Wan-Bissaka, Soucek, Fernandes, Diouf, Bowen, Summerville, Castellanos.
Subs: Areola, Walker-Peters, Kilman, Wilson, Pablo Felipe, Magassa, Scarles, Potts, Kante.
Arsenal: Raya, White, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori, Eze, Rice, Lewis-Skelly, Saka, Gyokeres, Trossard.
Subs: Arrizabalaga, Mosquera, Hincapie, Odegaard, Martinelli, Madueke, Havertz, Zubimendi, Dowman.
Referee: Christopher Kavanagh
03:16pm
Arsenal team news
Mikel Arteta has named an unchanged line-up, sticking with the same 11 players who completed the job against Atletico Madrid. Viktor Gyokeres, who has nine goals in his previous 12 Premier League appearances, continues up top. Once again, Myles Lewis-Skelly begins ahead of Martin Zubimendi in midfield.
03:15pm
West Ham team news
Nuno Espirito Santo looks to have reverted to a back five and makes two alterations to the side which lost to Brentford. Jean Clair Todibo is the incoming defender, replacing Pablo, and the centre-back teams up with Axel Disasi and Konstantinos Mavropanos in defence. There is also a straight swap at right wing back as Aaron Wan-Bissaka is preferred to Kyle Walker Peters.
03:14pm
Arsenal are flying
In their previous two outings, Arsenal smashed Fulham 3-0 to consolidate top spot in the Premier League, before beating Atletico Madrid 1-0 to progress into the Champions League final.
Viktor Gyokeres bagged a brace in the win against Fulham – Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC
Bukayo Saka was on target as Arsenal overcame Atletico Madrid – David Price/Arsenal FC
03:10pm
West Ham need to bounce back
Last weekend, West Ham suffered a disappointing 3-0 loss to Brentford. Spurs and Forest both took advantage of this massive slip up, winning their matches against Aston Villa and Chelsea. Spurs don’t play until Monday evening, when they face Leeds, while Forest are drawing 0-0 against Newcastle, with that match having just entered the second half.
West Ham players cut dejected figures at the full-time whistle, following their loss to Brentford – Julian Finney/Getty Images Europe
03:03pm
Today’s setting
03:00pm
Could this game decide the title race and relegation battle?
Good afternoon and welcome to our live blog for this mouthwatering Premier League game between West Ham United and Arsenal at the London Stadium, which is set to have huge ramifications at both ends of the table.
Manchester City’s 3-0 win against Brentford on Saturday evening keeps the pressure on Arsenal in the title race, with Mikel Arteta’s men now just two points ahead of Pep Guardiola’s side at the top of the table. Arsenal have enjoyed a euphoric week, reaching their first Champions League final in 20 years after beating Atletico Madrid 1-0 on Wednesday to claim a 2-1 aggregate victory over the Spaniards.
A run of form between March 22 and April 19, which only yielded one victory in six matches across all competitions, prompted concerns regarding Arsenal’s mentality and trophy-winning credentials. However, progression in Europe and recent domestic victories against Fulham and Newcastle United ensure Arsenal remain on course to pick up the two biggest pieces of silverware on offer, which would immortalise Arteta and the squad in the club’s history books.
This match is equally as important to West Ham, who need a win to hoist themselves out of the drop zone. The previous round of Premier League fixtures went disastrously for Nuno Espirito Santo’s side as they lost 3-0 to Brentford, while other relegation candidates Tottenham Hotspur and Nottingham Forest both recorded massive away victories against Aston Villa and Chelsea.
Ahead of kick-off, West Ham sit 18th, just a point behind 17th-place Spurs, who play Leeds United on Monday night. The East Londoners are in an extremely precarious position and desperately need points to maintain their top-flight status.
To put it bluntly, both clubs have to win. With Man City breathing down their necks, Arsenal are aiming to end their 22-year wait for a title, while West Ham are scrambling to avoid relegation.
Kick-off is at 16:30, with team news coming shortly.
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