'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.
Gossip: Summerville attracting plenty of interestpublished at 07:15 BST 6 May
07:15 BST 6 May
West Ham United's Crysencio Summerville is being monitored by a number of clubs across Europe, with his asking price set to drop if the Hammers are relegated. (Telegraph - subscription required, external)
'Hard to look past Nuno as the perfect manager for West Ham in this moment'published at 13:38 BST 5 May
13:38 BST 5 May
James Jones Fan writer
Image source, Getty Images
After West Ham's 3-0 defeat at Brentford and Spurs' subsequent win over a heavily rotated Aston Villa side, things look very bleak for the Hammers' Premier League status.
One point behind Tottenham - and Arsenal at home next. Spurs have an already-safe Leeds on the same weekend. We could be four points adrift with two games to play. We could be relegated within the next fortnight. It's a tragic state of affairs which will need one hell of an inquest if it happens.
But talk is already focused on who should be in charge if relegation is confirmed.
Reports this weekend suggest West Ham really want to keep Nuno Espirito Santo in his post, regardless of what happens. Some reports say Nuno is also keen on staying on. Others claim he's undecided.
Whatever the truth, it's hard to look past Nuno as the perfect manager for West Ham in this moment. He was promoted with Wolves at then finished seventh in the Premier League in consecutive seasons. He has a history of bringing a club up and then re-establishing them in the top flight.
He guided Nottingham Forest to European football in a season when they were one of the favourites to go down. The Portuguese knows what it takes and that's what West Ham need. We need to bounce straight back and then stay in the top flight.
Some fans are calling for Scott Parker, and while I get the very obvious sentiment, I can't see it being a good long-term appointment for West Ham.
Parker was promoted with Fulham and relegated the following season. He then took Bournemouth to the Premier League, only to lose his job just four games into the next season after a 9-0 defeat by Liverpool. Now he's taken Burnley up, only to suffer relegation at the first time of asking.
Parker is a top second-tier manager but has proven at three different clubs he doesn't have what it takes at the top level.
Meanwhile, we have a manager with a track record of doing what we desperately need a manager to do. That's why Nuno is perfect - if we go down, that is.
Hopefully, he can form a miracle before then...
Do you agree that Nuno is "the perfect manager" if the Hammers end up being relegated? If not, who would you bring in instead?
"A couple of weeks ago, I thought Tottenham were literally doomed," Given explained on BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Night Club. "I thought they were gone.
"It is amazing what one set of fixtures can do because us 'experts' are now saying it looks like West Ham are doomed.
"But they have been in this position all season, they know exactly what they need to do, and they have been fighting for their lives.
"Tottenham got a great result [against Aston Villa] but that doesn't mean they can just turn the tap on now. Things don't just change after one result.
"I think there are still a few twists and turns to come, and I think it is still too early to call who's going to go down."
How many points will be needed this season?published at 09:24 BST 5 May
09:24 BST 5 May
Keifer MacDonald BBC Sport journalist
Since the Premier League became a 20-team format in 1995, the average number of points needed for safety has been 36.
But that will not be enough this time around given that West Ham have already reached that tally and currently occupy the third and final relegation place.
According to data experts Opta, the Hammers are now favourites (77.71%) to be relegated, with Tottenham at 22.03% and Nottingham Forest just 0.13%.
If the three sides continue picking up points at their current rate, then it will be the Hammers who are relegated to the second tier for the first time since 2011.
The 2023 Conference League winners are averaging 1.03 points per game, which would mean they finish the season on 39 points.
Tottenham's return of 1.06 points per game puts them on course to finish on 40 points, while Forest are on track to secure safety for a fourth consecutive season by earning a tally of 46 points.
In a relegation battle like no other, will the Premier League have one final shock in store?
Image source, Getty Images
