Lineker and Shearer react to VAR incident in Arsenal v West Ham as footage shown. Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer were unanimous in their view after the VAR controversy during the West Ham win against Arsenal on Saturday.
The Hammers travelled to the Emirates on 22 February and came away with all three points thanks to a first-half Jarrod Bowen header. Graham Potter‘s side saw the clash out to take the win and seemingly put an end to the Gunners’ Premier League title charge.
This was made easier in the second half as Mohammed Kudus caused issues for Mikel Arteta’s side before giving VAR a decision to make.
Lineker and Shearer agree with Myles Lewis-Skelly red card in Arsenal v West Ham
The Ghana international was at his high-intensity best against the North London outfit, putting in a much-needed positive performance. This was utilised by the 24-year-old to win the ball off Lewis-Skelly on the halfway line, leaving the Irons star in the clear with just David Raya to beat.
The chance was only made easier given that the Spaniard was miles out of his goal, giving Kudus the chance to fire into an open goal before being hauled down by the Arsenal defender.
Despite being initially shown a yellow card, VAR upgraded this to a red after an on-field review which was met with complete agreement by Shearer and Lineker on Match of the Day (22 February). The latter said: “The red card probably finished them off as well but we think it was the right call.”
Shearer added: “It was the right call yeah. It was a call that VAR got right,. the referee didn’t give it which ok, you can sort of understand. This sort of typified Arsenal, getting caught on the ball.
“Saliba’s not getting there, look at where Raya is. So if Kudus wins that ball and goes forward, which he will do, he can have a free shot at goal so correct. It was without doubt a red card.”
West Ham deserved win v Arsenal
The Irons have struggled at times in recent weeks but put all of that behind them to secure an excellent result and a clean sheet at the Emirates.
There were plenty of excellent performances with Bowen getting his goal while makeshift centre-back Aaron Cresswell was superb to help keep the Gunners out.
It is fair to say that the home side’s intensity fell away when Lewis Skelly was given his marching orders but the youngster couldn’t have any complaints.
Defensive Stat West Ham v Arsenal
Interceptions 14
Blocks 10
Clearances 44
Tackles won 5
This ultimately helped the Hammers to secure a result which they deserved given how little Arteta’s side were able to do, particularly going forward.
Now Potter and Co. can look ahead to a clash against Leicester City with a view to securing back-to-back Premier League wins for the first time since the Englishman came in.
