'This is an earthquake' - Neville calls Arsenal drama the 'biggest moment in VAR history'

Referee Christopher Kavanagh (centre) is surrounded by Arsenal and West Ham Untied players while awaiting a VAR decision before he is sent to the monitor to disallow West Ham United's Callum Wilson goal during the Premier League match at London Stadium, London. Pic: John Walton/PA Wire

Gary Neville claimed the dramatic late intervention in Arsenal’s victory over West Ham was probably the “biggest moment in VAR history” in the Premier League.

The relegation-threatened Hammers looked to have snatched a 1-1 draw against the title-chasing Gunners when Callum Wilson struck in stoppage time at the London Stadium.

But after a long review, in a decision that has significant ramifications at both ends of the table, the goal was disallowed for a foul on Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya by Pablo.

Former Manchester United and England defender Neville, who was working as a co-commentator for Sky Sports, felt it was a big moment and the correct decision was eventually made.

Neville said: “This is an earthquake, a tremor of a moment.

“I have to say the big striker has got his arm across David Raya. He does disrupt him.

“VAR, what are they going to do? It is probably the biggest moment in VAR history in the Premier League. This is massive.

“I think it’s a foul. His arm is held on Raya. It’s on him all the time. He’s holding across his neck and chest. I think it’s a foul.

“But have VAR got the nerve, the guts, the courage to make the decision? This is massive for refereeing in this country. This is too big to get wrong.” On advice from VAR Darren England, match referee Chris Kavanagh reviewed footage on the pitchside monitor, and after a process that took more than four minutes, disallowed the goal.

Neville’s fellow pundit Roy Keane had little sympathy for Pablo.

He said: “Do not put your hands on the goalkeeper, and certainly don’t leave it on for three or four seconds.

“Obviously there’s madness there, and there’s loads of other fouls, all sorts going on – but because the goalkeeper’s such a big part to play, I think it is a foul.

“He must know they’re going to check VAR.” Former Arsenal and West Ham striker Ian Wright said it was “without doubt” the correct decision.

“I think David Raya catches that simply if he’s not impeded,” Wright said. “You can see it there, pulling him there, and then the arm comes across.”