Reacting to Arsenal's controversial 1-0 win over West Ham United, former African Footballer of the Year Victor Ikpeba has criticised both VAR and the Gunners' physical approach during set-piece situations.
Arsenal strengthened their position in the Premier League title race with a hard-fought victory over West Ham United on Sunday evening, with Leandro Trossard netting what proved to be the game-winning goal at the London Stadium.
Trossard broke the deadlock in the 83rd minute to put Arsenal on course for a vital win, but there was drama deep into stoppage time when Callum Wilson appeared to have rescued a dramatic equaliser for West Ham.
However, amid strong protests from Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya, the Video Assistant Referee stepped in to review the incident.
After an extended check and a trip to the pitchside monitor, referee Chris Kavanagh disallowed the goal for a foul by Pablo in the build-up.
Ikpeba argued that Arsenal often escape punishment for their aggressive style of play inside the box and questioned the lengthy review process that ruled out West Ham's late equaliser.
"VAR is not doing what it's supposed to do in the English Premier League. When you talk about shoving and pushing, the one club that does it more than the others is Arsenal," Ikpeba said on SuperSport's Monday Night Football, as monitored by allnigeriasoccer.com.
"They bully defences and are not punished, so in this situation it is a mild touch. And for VAR to wait five minutes to make a decision..."
According to the
BBC, West Ham are set to contact referees' body the Professional Game Match Officials (PGMO) over their late equaliser being disallowed against Arsenal.
Ifeanyi Emmanuel
Photo Credit: arsenal.com
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