Arsenal Blame Technology for West Ham Loss

Arsenal suffered a 2-0 home defeat to West Ham United in a Premier League match on Thursday, December 28, 2023. Despite having 30 shots and registering a record 77 touches in West Ham’s box, Arsenal failed to score a goal. The defeat means that Arsenal missed out on a chance to go top of the Premier League.

The match was embroiled in controversy due to another VAR controversy, with Tomás Soucek’s opening goal surviving a lengthy check as replays suggested the ball may have gone out as Jarrod Bowen pulled it back from the byline to create the chance.

With the goal given by on-field referee Michael Oliver, there was insufficient evidence from the available camera angles to conclusively determine whether it had left the pitch, replicating a similar incident which saw Anthony Gordon’s strike in the Gunners 1-0 loss at Newcastle United in September stand amid Arsenal’s protests.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta rued a lack of technology but acknowledged that his team had plenty of chances to score goals and win. After the West Ham defeat, Arteta successfully fought a Football Association charge following comments he made in the aftermath of Gordon’s plan and struck a more conciliatory tone.

Despite the defeat, Arsenal ended with an Expected Goals figure of 2.68, the highest for a team failing to score in a Premier League game since Opta records began in 2008. The couple had more touches in the box and dominance than their opponents but failed to convert their chances.

Meanwhile, West Ham boss David Moyes celebrated his first league win away at Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, or Manchester United in 73 attempts by hinting he could soon hold discussions over a new contract. Moyes’ existing deal expires at the end of the season, but he expressed confidence in talks with the club.

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