Arteta: Referee brave to rule out late West Ham equaliser

Mikel Arteta congratulated referee Chris Kavanagh for making the "brave" decision to overrule West Ham's late goal in Arsenal's 1-0 win on Sunday.

Arsenal moved five points clear at the top of the Premier League after their narrow win over the relegation-threatened Hammers, with Leandro Trossard scoring the all-important goal at London Stadium.

However, the match was not without late drama as Callum Wilson had seemingly snatched a 95th-minute equaliser for West Ham, but after a lengthy VAR check, the goal was ruled out for a foul on David Raya by Pablo during the initial corner.

Aston Villa's Emiliano Martinez (17) is the only goalkeeper to win more fouls in the Premier League this season than Raya (13), and Arteta was thrilled the referee eventually got to what he believes is the right decision.

"I am going to certainly remember this day. It was a rollercoaster of emotions," Arteta told Sky Sports.

"We knew it was going to be tough day; they are fighting for their lives, and we are trying to win the Premier League.

"So much at stake. We started the game so well and had three big chances.

"Then the injury of Ben [White], we had to make a change and adapt, we had to make difficult decisions. We threw everything we had to try and win it.

"We were rewarded for that courage. Then there are two actions, one with David [Raya]. He makes an incredible save, and then the controversy around the disallowed goal, which is obviously a big decision.

"When I had to be critical, I have been. I have to congratulate them [referees]. You need a lot of courage and bravery to stand out and give the opportunity to the referee to have a look at the action.

"When you see the picture, there is no question that it is a clear foul. They were very brave.

"The action deserved that. In my opinion, it is very clear. They are the rules, and we ask for consistency."

Arsenal's opener, timed at 82 minutes and six seconds, is their latest goal in a 1-0 Premier League win since November 2023 against Brentford (Kai Havertz in the 89th minute).

The Gunners have also won each of their last three Premier League games, the longest ongoing winning streak in the English top-flight.

It is a win that moved Arsenal within touching distance of the title after they moved clear of Manchester City once more. The Opta supercomputer rates their chances of lifting their first Premier League title since 2004 at 87.2%.

"[I feel] joy. We knew what we had to do, and that was to take three points," Trossard, who ended a run of 14 appearances without a league goal, said.

"It was tough; we knew up front what they were playing for, and they put up a good fight. It is so nice for us to get three points here and go home with a win.

"I don't need to explain what is at stake; everyone knows. Two very important games from us, and we have all the belief that we can do it, but we have to work hard to get three points in the next games as well."