By: Precious Miracle Kargbo Snr
Arsenal took a major step toward ending their 22-year Premier League title drought on Saturday with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over West Ham United at the London Stadium, in a match defined by a late goal and stoppage-time VAR controversy.
Leandro Trossard scored the decisive goal in the 83rd minute, finishing off a move created by Martin Ødegaard. Arsenal controlled possession for long periods and created clearer chances, but they were forced to withstand sustained late pressure from the hosts.
The game’s major talking point came deep into stoppage time when West Ham appeared to have equalised through Callum Wilson from a corner. However, VAR ruled the goal out for a foul on Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya in the build-up. The decision stood after review, leaving West Ham frustrated.
The win takes Mikel Arteta’s side to 79 points from 36 matches, with 24 wins, 7 draws, and 5 losses. Arsenal now lead Manchester City by five points, although City still have a game in hand. Two more victories would secure Arsenal’s first league title since the famous 2003-04 “Invincibles” season.
It was Arsenal’s seventh 1-0 win of the campaign, underlining the defensive discipline and game management that have defined their title push. Manager Mikel Arteta described the performance as a professional, title-defining display under pressure.
West Ham remain at the lower end of the table and are still involved in a relegation battle following the defeat. The disallowed equalizer proved to be a painful setback in their fight for survival.
Celebrations from Arsenal players and travelling supporters reflected the significance of the result, with Trossard’s goal and Raya’s late interventions proving decisive.
Arsenal now appear firmly in control of the title race heading into the final two fixtures against Burnley at home and Crystal Palace away, which could ultimately decide the Premier League crown.
SOURCE: Aresenal.com