Nuno Espirito Santo says no one knows what the rules are any more after a monumental stoppage-time VAR call put Arsenal within touching distance of the Premier League title and nudged West Ham closer to relegation.
Nuno’s side thought they had equalised from a Callum Wilson strike, but following 17 replays, VAR Darren England ruled the goal out after spotting striker Pablo’s hand on the arm of Arsenal keeper David Raya.
‘All of us don’t understand what is a foul, what isn’t a foul,’ said Nuno. ‘I think even referees confuse themselves.’
It was arguably the biggest VAR call in the league’s history, given the ramifications at both ends of the table.
Arsenal are now five points clear of Manchester City having played a game more, and will clinch the crown if they beat Burnley next Monday and Crystal Palace on the final day. West Ham remain one point behind 17th-placed Tottenham, having played a game more, ahead of Spurs’ game against Leeds tonight.
‘In recent seasons there’s been a lot of grappling, holding, almost like a wrestling situation,’ added Nuno. ‘And it’s upsetting. Sometimes it is (penalised), sometimes it’s not. And today it’s frustrating.
West Ham were denied a 95th-minute equaliser because of a foul on Arsenal’s David Raya
‘Because then you look at every corner in the Premier League, what’s happening? What is the barrier, what is the frontier of what is a foul and what is not a foul? I’m talking about the lack of consistency, I think everybody’s confused.
‘So I think it’s up to the referees to dictate what is a foul, what is allowed, what is not allowed. Because it seems like the rules have changed. And everybody feels confused and frustrated. The players don’t understand it.’
West Ham captain Jarrod Bowen claimed it was the wrong decision and that the time it took to assess the decision was a factor.
‘Goalkeepers are protected more than outfield players,’ said Bowen. ‘There’s lots of holding and grappling going on in the box. The keeper has to expect contact. There’s going to be tussles.
‘When you look at the screen for five minutes, you’ll find something. I’m sure if you look long enough, you’ll find something. Do I think it’s the right decision? No.’
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta said: ‘Today I have realised how difficult and how big the referee’s job is. Because you’re talking about a moment that can decide the history of two massive clubs who are fighting with their lives to achieve their objectives. And the pressure is huge.
‘A call from the refs that I think is very brave, but very consistent with what they’ve been talking about all season.
‘And today I have to praise them, at least for giving the option to a referee to decide. Away from the lights and the chaos, to give clarity to him to make the right call. And when you look at the action in that way, I think it is an obvious error so the goal has to be disallowed.’
