Arsenal took another giant stride towards their first Premier League title in over two decades on Sunday, edging out West Ham United 1-0 at the London Stadium thanks to Viktor Gyokeres’ late strike that was upheld after a nail-biting VAR check.
The Gunners struggled to impose themselves on a determined West Ham side for long spells, managing just two shots on target from 13 attempts, but showed the resilience of champions when it mattered most, converting their moment of quality in the 83rd minute to snatch all three points in dramatic fashion.
West Ham will feel thoroughly aggrieved. Graham Potter’s side more than matched Arsenal for large portions of the contest, putting four shots on target and restricting the visitors’ usually free-flowing attack to minimal clear-cut chances.
The hosts picked up three yellow cards in what became an increasingly fiery encounter, and their fury at the final whistle was palpable as VAR’s decision to allow Gyokeres’ goal to stand left them empty-handed from a game they had fought so hard to control.
The result leaves West Ham in 18th place on 36 points, with their top-flight status looking increasingly precarious as the season enters its final weeks.
For Arsenal, the relief was enormous and the consequences potentially title-defining. Mikel Arteta’s side now sit five points clear of Manchester City at the top of the Premier League table with just two games remaining a home clash against already-relegated Burnley and a final-day trip to Crystal Palace.
The mathematics are now firmly in Arsenal’s favour, and if they can maintain their nerve, the most coveted trophy in English football could soon be heading to the Emirates Stadium for the first time since the Invincibles era.
