Arsenal are one step closer to the Premier League title, but Sunday’s win at West Ham United has caused plenty of controversy after the relegation-threatened Hammers’ disallowed equaliser
Former Premier League assistant referee Darren Cann has suggested that attacking players should not be allowed in the goal area before corners are taken. His comments come after Sunday’s controversial VAR incident in the closing stages of Arsenal’s dramatic 1-0 win at West Ham United.
The Gunners were leading 1-0 through Leandro Trossard’s 83rd-minute goal before the hosts thought they had scored a crucial stoppage-time equaliser. Substitute Callum Wilson hammered home a finish in a packed penalty box following a corner.
But a lengthy VAR check saw the goal ruled out by referee Chris Kavanagh. It was adjudged that Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya had been fouled by West Ham forward Pablo.
And Cann has discussed on BBC Radio 5 Live how such an incident in east London could be avoided – suggesting a rule change.
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He said: “I think there is too much skirmishing generally at corners anyway. My idea that I have been saying for three years now is that I believe attacking players shouldn’t be allowed in the goal area before the corner is taken, so that would give natural separation between defenders and attackers and it would stop the intermingling before the ball is in play.
“You can’t give a defensive free kick or a penalty if the ball is not in play, so it would stop this constant pushing and grappling at corners if we separate the players.
“It is a simple law change for attackers to have to start outside the goal area and it would avoid these situations.”
Arteta, meanwhile, has praised the officiating at Sunday’s game after the hugely consequential incident.
The 44-year-old said: “It was a very brave call and consistent with what they’ve been talking about all season. When I have to be critical, I have been.
“This time 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.”
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The Spaniard has acknowledged the magnitude of the decision with Arsenal seeking a first Premier League title since 2004 and West Ham looking to avoid relegation.
He added: “When you look at it, it is an obvious foul, a free kick, and the goal has to be disallowed. So congratulations, because they made a big call in very, very difficult circumstances.
“I’ve now realised how difficult and how big the referee’s job is because you’re talking about a moment that can decide the history, the course of two massive clubs that are fighting with their lives to achieve their objectives.”
The Gunners now need just two more wins to be confirmed as Premier League champions.
Meanwhile, the Hammers’ top-flight status is out of their hands, as Tottenham Hotspur now have the chance to pull four points clear when they host Leeds United on Monday evening (8pm BST).
