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Rooney highlights ‘big advantage’ for goalkeepers after Arsenal’s victory
Wayne Rooney, former England and Manchester United striker, believes the video assistant referee “did a really good job” in disallowing West Ham‘s late equalizing goal against Arsenal.
The Hammers thought they had dealt a significant blow to Arsenal‘s title aspirations and improved their own Premier League survival hopes when Callum Wilson scored in stoppage time.
However, following VAR review, the goal was disallowed due to a foul by Pablo on Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya.
The Gunners ultimately won 1-0, extending their lead over Manchester City to five points at the top of the Premier League, while West Ham‘s future looks more precarious as they sit in 18th place, with Tottenham Hotspur just a point ahead.
“It’s a clear foul,” Rooney stated on the Wayne Rooney Show.
“Many will argue that it should have stood due to the controversial nature, and likely all [Manchester] City players, staff, and fans will support that view. Conversely, Tottenham fans, players, and staff will likely argue against it, as will Arsenal supporters.
“However, it’s a clear foul. The arm clearly impacts his face, hindering his ability to reach the ball. Therefore, I believe it was the correct decision.
“This is one instance where I believe VAR has performed commendably in such a critical match.”
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West Ham’s injury-time goal disallowed as Arsenal extends lead to five points
Despite agreeing with the decision, Rooney expressed concerns regarding the inherent advantage afforded to goalkeepers within their own area.
“I believe VAR and referees are consistent in that any contact with the goalkeeper is deemed a foul, and I dislike it,” he noted.
“Any contact near the goalkeeper results in a foul. Throughout my playing career, I’ve held a dislike for goalkeepers due to this reason. I believe that because they can jump with their arms, they possess a significant advantage, often coming out with their knees and studs down your back.”
“However, the consistency lies in the fact that goalkeepers typically receive a free-kick when approached.”
Former Premier League assistant referee Darren Cann on Match of the Day: “I don’t think anyone would want to trade places with Darren England. Nobody would want to be sitting in that chair. He stepped up to the plate, he made the right decision and it’s the biggest VAR call in Premier League history.”
Former Newcastle goalkeeper Shay Given on Match of the Day: “The thing that grates [on] me is we have seen on numerous occasions with Arsenal this season, goalkeepers and defenders getting blocked off and the goal stands. Everyone is frustrated about the consistency of the refereeing decision. Why are some goals allowed to stand and this was disallowed? There is so much at stake at the bottom of the league and the very top.
“The other thing is Gabriel is holding, Odegaard is holding, Trossard is holding before the foul even happens on Raya. When does the referee decide that’s the foul he wants to pick and not the previous foul?”
Former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy on Match of the Day: “The controversy and discontent around West Ham not being given the goal is because it’s Arsenal. They can’t be held accountable for decisions in the past.
“The VAR officials have got to say what they see and it’s a clear foul. Just because it’s Arsenal we shouldn’t get it distorted.”
Former West Ham goalkeeper Rob Green on BBC Radio 5 Live: “It is a foul. You are looking at two players fouling the goalkeeper. There have been so many of these this season, it has been such a talked-about topic, there has been such inconsistency with it so for it to come down to this is huge.
“It just feels like for VAR, for West Ham, for Arsenal in particular with their set-pieces, has been the topic of the season.
“In isolation – foul. There were five or six fouls going on at the same time in there but it’s where the ball landed. Then you think consistency – there hasn’t been any.”
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