Arsenal faced a significant setback in their quest for the Premier League title with a 2-0 defeat to West Ham, accompanied by a VAR controversy acknowledged by PGMOL. The controversy arose when Tomas Soucek scored, and limited camera angles left it inconclusive whether the ball was in play during the build-up. Despite fan frustration, the on-field decision stood.
Mikel Arteta’s team, now second in the league, grapples with defensive lapses, exemplified by Oleksandr Zinchenko’s collision with Gabriel leading to West Ham’s 13th-minute goal. The focus on VAR questions pales in comparison to broader concerns about goal-scoring consistency, where Gabriel Jesus, with only three Premier League goals, falls short despite a prolific Champions League record.
West Ham extended their lead through Konstantinos Mavropanos, exacerbating Arsenal’s frustrations as Jesus missed key chances. VAR played a role, denying Arsenal a penalty claim while awarding one for a foul on Emerson. Despite Raya saving Bowen’s penalty, Arsenal faces a challenging recovery.
Arteta, committed to a strong lineup, may consider changes in the upcoming transfer window, addressing not just VAR but also defensive vulnerabilities and the need for a reliable goal-scorer. The defeat prompts a deeper evaluation of the team’s performance, hinting at potential adjustments in the weeks ahead.
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