moved nearer to the title after their win over , however a lot of the eye after the match targeted on the late VAR determination that dominated out a West Ham equaliser from a nook kick.
West Ham believed they’d rescued some extent within the ninety fifth minute when turned the ball in following a crowded set-piece scenario contained in the penalty space.
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Referee Chris Kavanagh initially allowed the aim to face earlier than VAR suggested an on-field overview for a doable foul by West Ham defender Pablo Felipe on Arsenal goalkeeper . After reviewing the incident, the aim was disallowed.
The second shortly sparked debate as a result of Arsenal’s aggressive set-piece strategy has been one of many key options of their season.
Mikel Arteta’s facet have frequently used aggressive set-piece routines in corners throughout their rise to the highest of the desk, with the membership now near securing the league title.
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Paul Scholes Defends Arsenal
In an episode of ‘The Good, The Dangerous & The Soccer’, legend Paul Scholes gave his perspective on the scenario whereas additionally defending Arsenal’s use of set items all through the season.
“Individuals are moaning, aren’t they, as a result of Arsenal have completed all of it 12 months, however they haven’t,” Scholes stated. “They’ve completed it legally, although.”
Scholes believed that whereas Arsenal’s set-piece strategy has typically been criticized for being overly bodily, he claims the staff has remained throughout the guidelines throughout their success from corners this season.
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Speaking in regards to the VAR determination towards West Ham, Scholes backed the officers’ name and stated there have been a number of fouls through the incident involving Raya.
“It’s a foul. There’s two fouls,” Scholes stated. “He’s acquired his hand on high of him there, you’ll be able to’t transfer, and the one the place he pulls him.”
Scholes additionally highlighted one other a part of the problem the place he felt the Arsenal goalkeeper’s arm was being restricted contained in the six-yard field.
“There’s one behind pulling his arm,” he added.
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The LED board shows the VAR determination that disallowed the aim scored by Callum Wilson through the Premier League match between West Ham United and Arsenal.Picture by Alex Pantling/Getty Photographs
Explaining why he believed Raya had no likelihood of reaching the ball correctly, Scholes stated the bodily contact made it inconceivable for the goalkeeper to maneuver freely.
“If I put my hand throughout you there, you’ll be able to maintain that,” Scholes stated. “And he’s a giant lad. In order that’s sturdy, you’ll be able to’t transfer, can’t you?”
Nicky Butt additionally agreed that the problem itself was a foul however stated the broader frustration from supporters comes from the consistency of comparable selections throughout the Premier League.
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“Actually everybody is aware of that was a foul,” Butt stated. “However I don’t suppose persons are arguing the truth that that was a foul. It’s fairly apparent it was a foul, nevertheless it’s all about what went on beforehand.”
Butt additionally pointed to the bodily nature of set items throughout the league, together with Arsenal’s personal routines this season.
This story was initially revealed by on Might 11, 2026, the place it first appeared within the part. Add Athlon Sports activities as a