The Premier League title race would look significantly different without the Video Assistant Referee (VAR), following a controversial decision in Arsenal's favor during their 1-0 victory over West Ham United on Sunday, May 10, 2026. The win propelled Arsenal five points clear at the top of the table, while pushing West Ham closer to the relegation zone.
Controversial Goal Disallowed
Arsenal secured a crucial three points at the London Stadium thanks to Leandro Trossard's 83rd-minute strike. However, the match was marred by controversy when West Ham thought they had equalized deep into stoppage time. Callum Wilson found the net in the eighth minute of added time, but after a lengthy VAR review lasting four minutes and 17 replays, referee Chris Kavanagh disallowed the goal, ruling that Pablo Felipe had fouled Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya in the buildup.
Reactions from Managers
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta defended the referee's decision, acknowledging the immense pressure on officials. He stated, "Probably today I have realized how difficult and how big a 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 for their lives to achieve their objectives, and the pressure is huge. It gives you a lot of choice."
West Ham boss Nuno Espirito Santo expressed his disappointment, claiming that the referee had lost sight of what constitutes a foul. He said, "Even the referees lost a little bit of the idea of what is a foul and what is not a foul. Today, the decision went against us. That's why we are really, really upset, because it happened before and it was judged in a different way. That's what upsets us."
How the Title Race Would Look Without VAR
According to the Daily Star, without VAR this season, the title race would be much tighter. Arsenal have gained an extra five points through VAR interventions, while Manchester City have gained only one extra point. Consequently, Arsenal would be on 74 points, just one point ahead of City on 73, with City holding a game in hand. This would put the title destiny in City's hands as the season enters its final weeks.
What City Need to Win the Title
For Manchester City to clinch the title despite Arsenal's five-point lead, they must win their remaining three matches and hope Arsenal drop points in their final two games. The controversial VAR decision has given Arsenal a crucial advantage, but the race is far from over.
