Five 'fouls' in one move - breaking down Premier League corner chaos
There is a certain irony, given that Arsenal have been the kings of the dark arts on set-pieces this season, that they beat West Ham thanks to VAR ruling out Pablo's effort for a foul on Gunners keeper David Raya It feels like this Premier League season has been defined by set-piece drama. Not just the goals that have been scored, but the constant grappling, pushing, pulling and wrestling. It appeared to reach a head in February, when about 15 Manchester United and Everton players camped inside the six-yard box.
Players were being thrown to the floor before the ball was in play. It was carnage. "You get the feeling now that referees really don't want to get involved in any of it," Everton manager David Moyes said.
Do not be fooled into thinking this is just a Premier League problem. BBC Sport recently attended an event with Roberto Rosetti, the head of Uefa's referees. The first thing the Italian concentrated on was examples of goalkeepers being pressurised at set-pieces.
Arsenal have been the kings of it, crowding and surrounding goalkeepers at corners, finding ways to create space and score from set-pieces. Fast forward to Sunday, and the season-defining VAR intervention which had major repercussions for Arsenal 's title chances - and West Ham 's hopes of remaining in the Premier League. There was pushing and pulling going on all over the place, but Pablo was penalised for a foul on Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya.
The VAR intervened to disallow it, and the Gunners claimed a crucial 1-0 win. Considering the Gunners' set-piece prowess this season - 21 of their 68 league goals (31%) have come this way - there was a certain irony that such a defining moment resulted in the opposition having a goal ruled out. Jarrod Bowen stood over the ball by the corner flag.