West Ham to launch formal offensive against PGMOL following Arsenal heartbreak

West Ham United will contact the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) following the controversial VAR decision that denied them a dramatic late equaliser against Arsenal on Sunday.

The Hammers believed they had rescued a priceless point in stoppage time when Callum Wilson turned home from close range after a chaotic corner inside the Arsenal penalty area.

However, celebrations inside the London Stadium were cut short after a lengthy VAR review led to referee Chris Kavanagh disallowing the goal for a foul on Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya.

The decision ultimately handed Arsenal a huge 1-0 victory in the Premier League title race while deepening West Ham’s relegation concerns.

The Hammers are now expected to formally approach PGMOL for further clarification on the incident.

The club will also request access to the audio recordings of Kavanagh and VAR official Darren England during the review process.

The controversy has quickly become one of the biggest talking points of the Premier League season because of its potential impact at both ends of the table.

Arsenal’s victory moved Mikel Arteta’s side five points clear at the summit ahead of Manchester City, while West Ham remain inside the relegation zone with time running out in their survival battle.

Despite the anger from inside the London Stadium, several former players and pundits defended the decision.

Former Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney insisted VAR reached the correct conclusion and described the incident as a clear foul on Raya.

Rooney argued that Pablo’s arm impeded the Arsenal goalkeeper and prevented him from properly attacking the ball.

Former Premier League assistant referee Darren Cann also backed the officials and labelled it the biggest VAR call in Premier League history due to the enormous stakes attached to the result.

However, other people questioned the consistency of refereeing decisions involving goalkeepers this season.

Former Newcastle United goalkeeper Shay Given admitted the foul was understandable but argued similar incidents involving Arsenal corners earlier in the campaign had not been punished.

The fallout is unlikely to disappear any time soon, and the moment could become one of the defining turning points of Arsenal’s title challenge.

It may prove equally decisive in West Ham’s fight to avoid relegation.