Arsenal survived a huge scare as Leandro Trossard’s late goal moved the Gunners closer to the Premier League title in controversial fashion with a tense 1-0 win over West Ham on Sunday.
Mikel Arteta’s side struggled to break down West Ham at the London Stadium before Trossard struck with a deflected effort seven minutes from full-time.
However, the match ended in dramatic circumstances after West Ham were denied a stoppage-time equaliser when Callum Wilson’s goal was ruled out following a VAR review.
Wilson fired home after Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya spilt the ball under pressure from Pablo, whose arm appeared to brush across the Spaniard’s chest. West Ham also appealed for fouls involving Declan Rice and Trossard in the same sequence.
Referee Chris Kavanagh and VAR officials took several minutes to review the incident before disallowing the goal, sparking furious boos from the home fans. At the same time, Arteta reacted with visible relief on the touchline.
The victory leaves Arsenal five points clear of second-placed Manchester City, who defeated Brentford 3-0 on Saturday.
Man City can cut the gap to two points if they beat Crystal Palace in their game in hand on Wednesday, but Arsenal know victories in their final two matches against Burnley and Crystal Palace would guarantee the title.
The Gunners, whose mentality has often been questioned in recent years, showed resilience to edge closer to a first Premier League crown in 22 years.
Arsenal are also through to their first Champions League final since 2006 after defeating Atletico Madrid in the semi-finals and will face Paris Saint-Germain in Budapest on May 30.
Winning both the Premier League and Champions League would mark one of the greatest seasons in the club’s history.
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