Arsenal have moved to the brink of their first Premier League title in 22 years after grinding out a nervy 1–0 victory over relegation threatened West Ham United at the London Stadium. The Gunners left it late, relying on an 83rd minute strike from Leandro Trossard and a dramatic VAR intervention in stoppage time to secure all three points.
Mikel Arteta’s side dominated much of the possession but found West Ham difficult to break down, with the hosts defending deep and looking to hit on the counter. The breakthrough finally came when Martin Ødegaard combined cleverly around the box before Trossard’s shot took a deflection and wrong footed the Hammers’ goalkeeper.
The closing minutes were filled with controversy. Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya had already produced a stunning one on one save from Mateus Fernandes in the 77th minute, but in stoppage time he dropped a high ball under pressure, allowing Callum Wilson to lash in what West Ham thought was a dramatic equaliser.
Wild celebrations were cut short when VAR advised referee Chris Kavanagh to review the incident on the pitch side monitor for a possible foul on Raya in the build up. After a lengthy check, the goal was ruled out, sparking fury among West Ham players and fans but jubilation in the Arsenal camp, who held on for a result that could prove season defining.
With the win, Arsenal restored their five point lead at the top of the table over second placed Manchester City. The Gunners will be crowned champions if they win their remaining two fixtures against Burnley and Crystal Palace, though they could even wrap up the title earlier should City drop points in their game in hand.
For West Ham, the defeat was a brutal setback in their fight for survival, leaving them in the bottom three with just two matches left to save their season. Manager Julen Lopetegui must now quickly lift his players ahead of crucial games that will decide whether they stay in the Premier League.
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