West Ham to contact PGMOpublished at 09:16 BST 11 May
09:16 BST 11 May
West Ham are set to contact referees' body the Professional Game Match Officials (PGMO) over their late equaliser being disallowed against Arsenal.
The Hammers had appeared to have dealt a significant blow to the Gunners' title hopes - as well as boosting their own Premier League survival prospects - when Callum Wilson struck in stoppage time on Sunday.
But after a video assistant referee (VAR) review, the goal was ruled out for a foul by Pablo on Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya.
West Ham will raise concerns and request further explanation from PGMO following the controversial decision.
BBC Sport understands they will also request the audio between referee Chris Kavanagh and VAR Darren England.
'Can it really be clear and obvious?'published at 08:33 BST 11 May
08:33 BST 11 May
Imagine being in Darren England's position as the VAR in Stockley Park.
The pressure on the official must have been huge. He cannot hear the Sky commentary, he has no idea what public opinion is.
In Sunday's critical encounter between West Ham and Arsenal he was presented with a decision that could decide the fate of two clubs.
You can't blame him for taking his time. He had to get this right.
England spent two minutes 41 seconds poring over every angle of the footage, checking the possible foul, the potential penalties.
We have seen pushing, shoving, grabbing and pulling on corners all season. Goalkeepers have been pressuring and harried too.
Is this different? Crucially, it was.
Arsenal have been the kings of it all season, crowding and surrounding goalkeepers at corners, finding ways to create space and score goals from set-pieces.
That they benefit from it in such a crucial way won't be lost on some.
But it is hard to argue that the Spain international was not impeded. Without the foul contact by Pablo, Raya would surely have had a simple catch.
Pablo had his arm across Raya and he was holding on to the goalkeeper's left arm too.
England checked the other possible fouls too, by Trossard on Pablo and Rice on Summerville.
Importantly, the first foul that had a direct impact on play was Pablo on Raya. You cannot give a penalty for a foul that may come after this.
England had to get that right - and he did.
Referee Chris Kavanagh spent one minute 15 seconds at the monitor. He too would have known the consequences of his final decision.
In total, four minutes 11 seconds potentially deciding the title and the final relegation place.
If it takes that long, can it really be clear and obvious? That is the wrong way to look at it. With such a huge, season-defining call, take as long as necessary to make sure you are getting it right.
England will have spent the final few minutes of the game wondering if he'd made the right call.
There are no communications inside the VAR room, no mobile phones, no way of gauging if you've done the right thing.
Imagine the relief when he walks out of the room and is told he's got it right, that Pablo has impacted Raya from playing the ball.
Raya save a 'decisive moment' - Morrisonpublished at 08:28 BST 11 May
08:28 BST 11 May
Image source, Getty Images
Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya's late save to deny West Ham's Mateus Fernandes from point-blank range could be the "decisive moment" which sees Mikel Arteta's side lift the Premier League trophy, believes former top-flight striker Clinton Morrison.
With just 15 minutes left on the clock, Fernandes found himself in a one-versus-one situation with Golden Glove winner Raya, who "stood up and made himself massive" to shut out Nuno Espirito Santo's relegation-fighting side.
"There has been a lot of instances this season where David Raya has made those big saves but, for the life of me, I don't know how Mateus Fernandes doesn't score," Morrison told BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily.
"I will credit Raya because it isn't the first time he has done it. It was a fantastic save, in a big moment, in a big game.
"I just don't know why Fernandes took the second touch to try to beat Raya on his near post, when the whole goal was gaping on the far side. It was clear he isn't someone who is a natural in that position.
"You're looking to bend your shot into the far corner nine times out of 10 in that position. Instead, Fernandes was waiting for Raya to go early so he could beat him on his near post, but Raya stood up and made himself massive.
"If Fernandes doesn't take the touch as soon as Pablo plays it to him and he whips it into that far corner instead, Raya doesn't save it.
"If West Ham went 1-0 up in that moment, I believe they also go on to win the game. Therefore, it was a defining moment and it is probably why Arsenal deserve to win the Premier League.
"It's all ifs and buts so huge credit to Raya - what a save. If that is the decisive moment [in Arsenal's title charge] then he thoroughly deserves it because he has been outstanding this season."
That time span, which felt like an age, became the moment that has the capacity to alter the immediate course of history for Arsenal and West Ham United.
Darren England had to pore over the most significant domestic VAR decision since its inception in 2019 before sending referee Chris Kavanagh to the screen.
VAR decisions have been important before - but none have been quite so heavy, with the consequences potentially giving Arsenal a decisive push towards their first Premier League title in 22 years, while at the same time sending West Ham towards the Championship.
When Callum Wilson's shot crossed the line, West Ham fans exploded in delirium and then everyone held their breath before Arsenal's followers, packed into a corner of the stadium, reacted in similar fashion when the referee announced: "After review, West Ham number 19 committed a foul on the goalkeeper."
And with those few fateful words, Arsenal now hold a position of huge strength five points ahead of Manchester City - having played a game more - while West Ham look increasingly doomed, sitting a point behind Tottenham Hotspur, who play their game in hand at home to Leeds United on Monday.
West Ham and their fans melted into a mutinous fury that continued long after the final whistle, feeling they had been robbed of a vital point in their fight for survival, as Arsenal celebrated a victory of huge importance.
'It is a foul, that is the bottom line'published at 19:27 BST 10 May
19:27 BST 10 May
Image source, Getty Images
Former Premier League assistant referee Darren Cann agrees with VAR's decision to rule out Callum Wilson's stoppage time goal for West Ham due to a foul on Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya.
"It is a foul by Pablo holding David Raya's arm and clearly impeding Raya," Cann told BBC Radio 5 Live. " Also, he is having his shirt pulled by Jean-Clair Todibo as well.
"Unfortunately, I know it is a shame for West Ham given the timing of the game, but it is a foul, that is the bottom line.
"The arm is across Raya from Pablo, but crucially he is holding Raya's arm. He's not going to punch the ball, he is trying to catch it. The fact he has an arm on the keeper means he can't catch it and he is clearly impeded."
Ex-Premier League goalkeeper Rob Green also agrees "it is a foul" on Raya and VAR made the correct decision to overturn the goal.
"You are looking at two players fouling the goalkeeper," added Green. "There have been so many of these this season, it has been such a talked about topic, there has been such inconsistency with it so for it to come down to this is huge.
"In isolation: foul. There were five or six fouls going on at the same time in there, but it's where the ball landed.
"Then you think consistency: there hasn't been any. The rest of the season everyone is going to say, 'hold on a minute'."
Analysis: Furious Hammers facing droppublished at 19:26 BST 10 May
19:26 BST 10 May
Phil McNulty Chief football writer
Image source, Getty Images
The sound of fury echoed around the London Stadium when Callum Wilson's last-gasp strike was ruled out by VAR, and then again at the final whistle.
West Ham and their supporters were nursing a sense of injustice, but the greater pain comes from the fact they are now staring relegation in the face, especially if rejuvenated Spurs win at home to Leeds United on Monday.
The Hammers were slow to start, players and supporters only enlivened when Crysencio Summerville crunched into a tackle on Ben White that saw the defender limp out of the action.
West Ham will have other regrets, especially the late save by David Raya from Fernandes. The keeper did well, but Mateus Fernandes simply had to score when unchallenged eight yards out.
There is still hope for the Hammers, who travel to Newcastle United, then face Leeds United on the final day of the season - but time is running out.
West Ham 0-1 Arsenal: What Nuno and Bowen saidpublished at 19:12 BST 10 May
19:12 BST 10 May
Media caption,
West Ham boss Nuno Espirito Santo, speaking to BBC Match of the Day: "We made a good performance full of energy, full of belief and intensity in our actions. Proud of the way we played but upset that we didn't get the result we wanted or needed. Upset at the way the match finished but again trying to react and give it everything to the last second.
"I didn't see the images properly with replays to analyse but it's the lack of consistency over the last few seasons. The allowance of grappling, blocking, holding. I think we have lost a bit of what is a foul and what isn't a foul. Previously it would be judged differently so that's what upsets me.
"The lack of consistency - there's a referee, there's VAR - it's not up to us to judge. It should be addressed, what is allowed and what isn't allowed."
Chances of staying up? "It's going to be tough. It's not in our hands. We fight for it and we will keep on fighting. It is our responsibility - we represent a huge club and it's our obligation to go for it in these last two games."
West Ham captain Jarrod Bowen, speaking to BBC Match of the Day: "A real blow. We thought we'd done so well to get back in it and had it taken away from us.
"When you look at the screen for five minutes you'll find something - a lot of grappling and a lot of holding. I'm sure if you look long enough you'll find something. Do I think it's the right decision? No.
"Frustration. Where's the consistency? As a fan you don't want to celebrate a goal and then wait eight minutes and it's taken off you.
"Corners are physical. The Premier League is physical. That's why everyone loves it. You have to expect contact at corners. If you give that you have to give all the holding calls in the world and that's not the way people want the game to go down.
"I don't want to sound bitter but last week we had one with Tomas Soucek held at Brentford and we didn't get a penalty. But then you can't give one like that today."
On staying up: "It's going to be tough. We never say never at this club. We have two games left. We did a lot of good things today. We have to win."
Did you know?
West Ham United have lost back-to-back Premier League games for the first time since suffering defeats in their first two of 2026 – it ends a streak of six league games unbeaten at home (W3 D3), their joint-longest run in the top-flight at the London Stadium.
Arsenal are unchanged for the third game in a row which means Myles Lewis-Skelly continues in midfield. The Gunners have won their last two matches against Fulham and Atletico Madrid without conceding a goal.
Arsenal XI: Raya, White, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori, Lewis-Skelly, Rice, Eze, Trossard, Saka, Gyokeres.
You can also listen to today's 5 Live Premier League commentaries on most smart speakers. Just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Crystal Palace v Everton" or "ask BBC Sounds to play West Ham v Arsenal", for instance.
Sutton's predictions: West Ham v Arsenalpublished at 10:01 BST 10 May
10:01 BST 10 May
Arsenal look like a totally different proposition on the attacking front now Bukayo Saka is back in the team.
It is going to be hard for West Ham to keep them out and it doesn't help the Hammers that they desperately need a victory here after losing last weekend while all the teams around them won.
A draw wouldn't be a disaster for West Ham if you took this game in isolation but, depending on what Tottenham do against Leeds on Monday night, even if they pick up a point they could end up further adrift.
Arsenal have had big wins at London Stadium in each of the past two seasons. I don't see them sticking five or six in again this time but I also don't see them slipping up.
West Ham United v Arsenal: Key stats and talking pointspublished at 13:00 BST 9 May
13:00 BST 9 May
In what is a crucial match for both sides, Champions League final-bound Arsenal continue their bid for a first top-flight title for 22 years against a West Ham United side who dropped into the bottom three after last weekend's results. BBC Sport takes a look at the key themes ahead of Sunday's game (16:30 BST).
Title chances in Arsenal's hands
The equation for Arsenal is simple on paper; win all four of their remaining matches and it will be the greatest season in the club's 139-year history.
Thierry Henry, part of the unbeaten "Invincibles" side, who were the last Arsenal team to win a league title in 2003-04, said that Mikel Arteta's squad would be known as the "Unforgettables" if they were to pull off a Premier League and Champions League double.
The Gunners travel to West Ham still on cloud nine after Tuesday's win over Atletico Madrid, but that euphoria must be put on hold as they get back to the business of trying to end their painful wait for a 14th top-flight title.
After consecutive league defeats last month their mettle and bottle was called into question but successive home wins – allied to Manchester City's draw at Everton on Monday - has handed the initiative firmly back to the Gunners.
If recent history is anything to go by, struggling West Ham are the ideal opposition for Arteta's side to face. The Gunners have only picked up more Premier League wins against Everton (40) than the 38 they have against the Hammers.
They have scored 11 goals across their last two visits to the London Stadium courtesy of a 6-0 thrashing in 2023-24 and a 5-2 victory last season. The only side in English league history to score five or more in three successive away games against the same opponent is West Brom at Birmingham between 1957 and 1960.
If Arsenal do secure a crucial win it will also set a new club record of 42 victories in all competitions within the same season, breaking a tie with their famous Double-winning side from 1970-71.
Their victory over Atletico Madrid on Tuesday also saw them record a 30th clean sheet of the campaign, which is their most since 1993-94.
Hammers endure horror weekend
While Arsenal are on a high, West Ham endured a morale-sapping weekend which ended with Nuno Espirito Santo's side slipping into the bottom three. Their heavy defeat at Brentford, coupled with Tottenham's win at Aston Villa, means with three games to go they are a point adrift of their bitter rivals with an inferior goal difference.
The Gunners are the last team the Hammers will want to meet given their recent record in home league matches against the north Londoners. Mikel Arteta's side have scored a whopping 21 goals across their last six top-flight visits to Stratford.
London derbies on home soil have also been a real Achilles heel for West Ham this season and they will be desperate to avoid making a very unwanted piece of history.
Having already lost at the London Stadium to Chelsea, Tottenham, Crystal Palace, Brentford and Fulham they could become the first side in English league history to lose six home games against fellow London teams within a season.
They are at least unbeaten in their last six home league matches, which is their best run since their final season at Upton Park in 2015-16 (15 games)
Nuno has named the same starting XI for four consecutive Premier League games but will surely be tempted to mix things up after saying his side "lost composure" after conceding the second goal against the Bees.
They did strike the woodwork four times in that match - a joint record in a Premier League game this season – but hard luck stories count for nothing at this stage of the campaign.
Everton wrongly denied handball penalty at West Ham - panel published at 16:53 BST 8 May
16:53 BST 8 May
Dale Johnson Football issues correspondent
Image source, Getty Images
Image caption,
David Moyes was "amazed" that his Everton side did not get a penalty for handball at West Ham
Everton should have been awarded a penalty in the 2-1 defeat at West Ham for handball by Mateus Fernandes, the Premier League's key match incidents panel has ruled.
David Moyes' side trailed 1-0 in the 84th minute when the Hammers midfielder touched the ball with his hand during a tussle with Thierno Barry.
"He punched the ball," Moyes said after the game. "It would have been harsh, but I'm amazed they haven't given it."
Referee Stuart Attwell did not spot the touch and awarded a goal-kick to West Ham.
The video assistant referee (VAR), Michael Salisbury, chose not to intervene as Fernandes "accidentally handled the ball while grappling with an opponent".
But the panel disagreed, voting 4:1 that it was an error by both the referee and the VAR.
It was felt it "was a non-footballing action and a handball offence, therefore, a penalty should have been awarded".
The panel unanimously agreed with the referee and VAR that there should not have been a penalty for Jordan Pickford's 50th-minute challenge on Taty Castellanos.
Everton did equalise a couple of minutes later through Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, but Callum Wilson scored a winner for the Hammers in stoppage time.
It is the second VAR error that Everton have suffered this season, both penalties that should have been awarded in one-goal defeats.
The Toffees should also have been given a spot-kick in a 1-0 loss to Arsenal in December for a William Saliba foul on Barry. Salisbury was the VAR for that match too.
With three rounds of matches to go, Everton are the only team in the Premier League yet to have a VAR overturn go in their favour. In fact, no other team has fewer than two.
The last time the Toffees gained from a VAR review was in January 2025 for a penalty at Brighton.
The Toffees have, however, benefited from four refereeing mistakes.
There was a missed VAR intervention to award a penalty to Wolves in August.
A spot-kick should have been given to the Gunners in the reverse game at Emirates Stadium, and to Chelsea in March - but neither reached the threshold for VAR.
Garner, meanwhile, should have received a second caution against Aston Villa in January.
Nuno on his future, 'no hiding' in relegation battle and Arsenalpublished at 14:31 BST 8 May
14:31 BST 8 May
West Ham boss Nuno Espirito Santo has been speaking to the media before Sunday's Premier League game against Arsenal at The London Stadium (16:30 BST).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
Nuno provided an update on the fitness of his squad heading into Sunday's crucial London derby: "Everybody is OK, which is good. It's good for us that everyone is healthy."
Reflecting on last weekend's damaging 3-0 defeat at Brentford Nuno said: "It was a tough weekend for all of us. Of course it was a bad result. In the first half it was positive, we performed well and had our moments, but overall a bad weekend. It only helps us to react and bounce back."
On responding to the defeat: "We've always been able to react during the games and during the season. We've had poor performances and results, but the next one comes and we have been able to perform well and produce a result. This is what we expect on Sunday."
On the importance of the game: "It is a big game and our fans know and they've been fantastic for us at London Stadium, and we've been showing them with results and performances that we can count on them. We realise it is up for us to deliver, but it is a big game."
Does he expect a nervy atmosphere at The London Stadium?: "Being at home is good for us. Especially recently, our fans are giving us an extra run, so they've been really helpful. It's always nervy in these final games of the season. There's always anxiety in the games so it is up to us to control our nerves and deliver what we want."
On the challenge posed by the title-chasing Gunners: "It's difficult because they are very good. They are a very talented team that is fighting for huge things and achieving huge moments. They have reached the final of the Champions League and are fighting for the Premier League title. They are a tough opponent, but we are at London Stadium and that always gives us a plus of energy and especially for us, we have to give our all. There is no hiding. We have to be there."
Nuno was non-committal when asked about his future at the club beyond this season: "I'm going to be honest with you - I don't have one second to think about next season. It's so demanding what we have, the challenge, especially the game on Sunday, that's what we have to focus on. I don't have enough energy to think about what's ahead. It's tomorrow, then tomorrow, day-by-day. All the club, all the staff, the board, the players, the fans, we have our mission. It's about Sunday and we just focus on Sunday."
Players sign 'Bubbles' in BSL to mark Deaf Awareness Weekpublished at 10:47 BST 8 May
10:47 BST 8 May
Media caption,
West Ham captain Jarrod Bowen says fans "will be proud" to see a new interpretation of the Club's anthem, I'm Forever Blowing Bubbles, to mark Deaf Awareness Week.
The specially produced video features members of the Disabled Supporters' Association (DSA) alongside players and deaf supporters, each signing a line of the famous Hammers song in British Sign Language (BSL).
This version of "Bubbles" will be played on the big screens at the London Stadium as the teams walk out before of Sunday's vital London derby against league leaders Arsenal.
"Taking part in this was a really special experience," said Bowen.
"'Bubbles' means so much to everyone connected to West Ham and learning to sign it gave us a new perspective on how important it is that all supporters can share in those moments together.
"I'm sure it's something fans will be proud to see before the game on Sunday."
The concept was proposed by the DSA who worked in collaboration with Performance Interpreting - who also support the club on matchdays - to guide participants in learning and performing the song in BSL as part of their work to "improve accessibility and ensure all fans can feel fully connected to the matchday experience".
Co-chairs of the DSA, Cathy Bayford and Trevor Bright, said: "As co-chairs, Trevor and I are incredibly proud of the DSA's work in leading the BSL initiative at the London Stadium and now to showcase the provision with the help of the first team players and other members of the DSA, especially this month as we recognise UK Deaf Awareness Week."
Keighley Tansley, DSA adviser for deaf and hard of hearing supporters, added: "As we come to the end of our first season with BSL at the stadium, it's been incredible to bring players together to learn Bubbles in British Sign Language, while also sharing more about the work DSA are doing behind the scenes to create real, lasting change and make matchdays more accessible for everyone.
"We hope you enjoy the film as much as we've loved creating it. This song is something we hope will give our deaf fans a real sense of pride and show that West Ham and the DSA are truly committed to making football inclusive for all."
'Bigger issues at the club than another change of manager' - Fans on Nuno futurepublished at 10:37 BST 6 May
10:37 BST 6 May
Image source, Getty Images
We asked for your views on whether you agree that Nuno Espirito Santo is "the perfect manager" if the Hammers end up being relegated? If not, who would you bring in instead?
Here are some of your comments:
Rob: The 'managerial' response to relegation isn't to offload another coach... there's been more than enough of that. That's exactly why doom is impending. I'm sure there are already plans in progress for two very different scenarios. We will undoubtedly lose players and may have to lean heavily on the academy, if the Championship beckons. The European trophy should have been a springboard to greater things, but the owners have blundered and bungled our club into the jaws of the Championship.
Mike: Nuno had the misfortune to take over mid-season after a very poor start, but he does have a reasonable record if he starts the season at a club, so hopefully wherever we finish he'll start as our head coach next season. I'm sure there will be loads of our fans that'll disagree.
Barry: Nuno has done OK but, like any manager, can only do limited things if you are not backed by the chairman. David Sullivan did not back him like he should have done in the January transfer window or with his backroom staff - West Ham will never come good until Sullivan has gone.
Stephen: Stay up or go down, there are bigger issues at the club than another change of manager. The board need to take a long, hard look at themselves and the rapid decline which strategic decisions have played a part in, then finance and then the squad. Nuno stays please.
Colin: If Nuno wants to stay and, crucially, Paco Jemez is staying with him, then it's a no-brainer for me, he has to stay whether we remain in the Premier League or are relegated. If, however, he decides to leave, I would like to see us go for Bellamy. He played for us, understands us, is passionate, and I believe it would be a great fit. I like Scott Parker but don't think he's the man for us.
Paul: A look around at the top Premier League clubs and what they have is manager consistency, they live with them for more than a couple of seasons. We should have stuck with Moyes but that's history so now we stick with Nuno if he will have us, whatever the future.
