The Premier League has officially clarified the controversial VAR decision that denied West Ham United a dramatic late equaliser against Arsenal in Sunday’s crucial Premier League showdown.

What looked like a last-minute rescue for West Ham quickly turned into heartbreak after referee Chris Kavanagh overturned the goal following a tense VAR review.

The drama unfolded deep into stoppage time after Arsenal had taken the lead through Leandro Trossard, whose 83rd-minute strike appeared enough to secure all three points for Mikel Arteta’s side.

However, chaos erupted in the closing moments when West Ham bundled the ball into the net during a crowded penalty-box scramble, sending fans inside the stadium into wild celebrations.

Those celebrations were short-lived.

VAR official Darren England immediately advised Kavanagh to review the incident on the pitch-side monitor after concerns over a possible foul on Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya.

After watching multiple replays, the referee ruled that a West Ham player had illegally challenged Raya in the build-up to the goal, leading to the equaliser being disallowed.

In a statement released after the match, Premier League officials confirmed the reason behind the decision.

“After VAR review, the referee overturned the original decision of a goal to West Ham United,” the statement explained.

The referee’s final verdict added: “After review, West Ham number 19 commits a foul on the goalkeeper. Final decision is a direct free kick.”

The controversial moment could prove massive in the title race.

The victory pushed Arsenal five points clear of Manchester City, strengthening hopes that the north London club could finally reclaim the Premier League crown after years of near misses.

For West Ham, however, the defeat leaves them in deeper trouble near the relegation zone.

The Hammers now sit just behind Tottenham Hotspur despite playing an extra game, with difficult fixtures still ahead against Newcastle United and Leeds United.

With the season entering its final stretch, both the title race and relegation battle are becoming increasingly dramatic — and decisions like Sunday’s may end up defining how the campaign is remembered.