VAR Correctly Disallowed West Ham Equalizer in Arsenal Victory

Arsenal defeated West Ham after a video assistant referee decision ruled out the Hammers' stoppage-time equalizer.

Callum Wilson's 95th-minute goal fell foul of VAR for grappling on Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya. Pablo prevented Raya from lifting his arm, while Jean-Clair Todibo pulled his shirt from behind to keep him on the ground. Two fouls occurred there, despite Wilson's brilliant finish.

Such grappling at corners has grown excessive this season. Most fans back stricter punishment, as players often escape it. Arsenal have benefited from unpunished incidents before, so the call frustrates some. Still, it stood correct in isolation.

Arsenal's win went beyond that. Raya saved from Mateus Fernandes, and Gabriel blocked a Wilson shot, leading to the controversial corner. Mikel Arteta earned most credit through his substitutions.

Managers face wrong calls, but good ones adjust with risks. Arteta tried three changes against West Ham. Only the final set worked, clinching the game.

His boldness, paired with Arsenal's squad strength, advanced their Premier League title bid. They opened Sunday's match with sharp intent, pressing well, winning second balls and passing forward quickly.

On Match of the Day, Arsenal looked strong early, creating fine chances. West Ham grew into it, though. Arteta's first switch, Martin Zubimendi for injured Ben White after 28 minutes, failed.

Arsenal dominated then, pinning back West Ham's wing-backs. Riccardo Calafiori and White held the ball in Hammers territory. Arteta eyed Declan Rice's comfort at right-back and Zubimendi's skill in midfield to control play. Rice would track Crysencio Summerville, while bench option Cristhian Mosquera stayed more defensive. Arteta preferred attacking.

Momentum slipped. West Ham gained chances before halftime, proving Rice's midfield value.

At halftime, Arteta shifted Mosquera to right-back, Myles Lewis-Skelly to left-back and removed Calafiori. The Italian posed Arsenal's top threat, reaching good spots. Returning Rice to midfield proved right, done fast.

Martin Odegaard delivered, despite a poor season. Arsenal needed him on the ball there, and he provided. Top players shone in key moments, as seen lately from Eze, Madueke, Havertz, Gyokeres and Saka.

Against West Ham, Odegaard and Trossard stepped up. Arsenal hold a strong title position through squad depth, not one star. Big players deliver big. Arteta's Sunday calls proved decisive.

Danny Murphy spoke to BBC Sport's Chris Bevan.