Guardiola VAR Arsenal West Ham reaction as Man City boss responds to controversial decision and shifts focus to Crystal Palace clash

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has commented on the controversial Video Assistant Referee decision that influenced Arsenal’s 1-0 Premier League victory over West Ham United in London on Sunday.

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Guardiola addresses VAR drama in Arsenal vs West Ham came after Arsenal edged the match through a late Leandro Trossard strike, a result that extended their lead over Manchester City to five points with two games remaining.

Tension defined the closing stages of the encounter when West Ham believed they had scored a late equaliser through Callum Wilson, only for the goal to be ruled out following a VAR review.

Although the effort was initially awarded on the pitch, the referee was advised to consult the pitchside monitor before ultimately disallowing the goal, sparking widespread debate over the decision.

When asked about the incident, Guardiola maintained a restrained stance, stating that such decisions fall within the remit of match officials and not managers.

He emphasised that referees are regularly required to manage physical battles during set-piece situations, where grappling between players often complicates decision-making.

The Manchester City boss, however, quickly shifted attention away from the controversy, insisting that his side remain focused on their next Premier League fixture against Crystal Palace.

Guardiola stressed the importance of concentrating on performance improvement rather than external factors beyond the team’s control, describing it as essential in their pursuit of the title.

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The Guardiola VAR Arsenal West Ham reaction highlights the growing scrutiny surrounding VAR decisions as the Premier League title race reaches a decisive stage.