Arsenal edged West Ham United 1-0 at the London Stadium on Sunday to stay on course for a first Premier League title since 2004.
Leandro Trossard’s 83rd-minute strike ultimately proved the difference for the visitors, but the game was not without its share of late drama.
A stoppage-time equaliser by Callum Wilson was controversially ruled out after a VAR review for a foul by Pablo on David Raya as referee Chris Kavanagh watched 17 replays of the incident before coming to a decision.
Mikel Arteta’s side remain five points clear of Manchester City at the top of the table with two matchdays left, while West Ham languish in the relegation zone, one point off Tottenham in 17th having played a game more.
Gunners survive stern test
Speaking to Sky Sports post-game, Arteta admitted: “Probably, I have realised how difficult and how big is the referee’s job.
“Because you’re talking about a moment that can decide the history, the course, of two massive clubs that they are fighting with their lives to achieve their objectives. And the pressure is huge.
“There are still two games to play. We came to win the game – somehow, you have to get rewarded, you have to have the ability to win in all types of contexts.
“We have shown that. The only thing that matters is now, the present. We have done it. There are two more to go.”
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Arteta praises ‘brave’ officials
“I am going to certainly remember this day. It was a rollercoaster of emotions,” the Spaniard added.
“We knew it was going to be a tough day – they are fighting for their lives and we are trying to win the Premier League.
“When I had to be critical, I have been. I have to congratulate them [the referees].
“You need a lot of courage and bravery to stand out and give the opportunity to the referee to have a look at the action.
“When you see the picture, there is no question that it is a clear foul. They were very brave.”
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Nuno reveals ‘upset’ feeling
West Ham manager Nuno Espírito Santo, meanwhile, told Sky Sports: “Due to the circumstances and the way it finished, we are all upset.
“Look, there is a referee and VAR, there is circumstances in the past that have been judged different. Let’s not go further than that.
“Due to the recent seasons, it has been happening [similar incidents]. Even the referees don’t know what is a foul and what is not a foul. It creates doubt.
“Let’s look at the game overall. We made a very good match. Arsenal is a tough team. We lost the game.”
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Bowen questions VAR decision
Hammers captain Jarrod Bowen was similarly disappointed by the last-minute VAR decision.
“Goalkeepers are protected more than outfield players and there is a lot of holding inside the box,” he said.
“Are you going to look at those every time and give a penalty? That is the only way that is the right way to do it.
“You can’t wipe a goalkeeper out, but the keeper has come in to grab the ball and has to expect contact. It’s the Premier League – there is going to be contact.
“I just think if you look at something long enough, you will find something to give.
“I can guarantee that pundits and people watching know football is a physical game. If you’re going to give it, give it every week. Where is the line and where is the bar?”
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SportJustSport writers 
Geoffrey H. Latayan