Nuno Espirito Santo shouting with Burnley flag in corner
Credit: Imago
Jack Dawson
Sat 8 November 2025 18:40, UK
West Ham secured a narrow 3-2 victory over Burnley on Saturday. However, Josh Cullen’s late goal for the visitors was controversial at the London Stadium.
Deep into added time, the Clarets captain bundled the ball into the back of the net to pull a goal back for the visitors.
While this meant little, with only seconds left on the clock, the fashion of the strike proved to be controversial.
Hannibal whipped in a ball which looked like a simple catch for Alphonse Areola. However, the goalkeeper proceeded to fumble the ball, which allowed the Burnley star to pounce.
Despite claims that the West Ham keeper was fouled, the Premier League has now provided clarity on why VAR did not disallow the goal.
Alphonse Areola in action for West Ham
Credit: Imago
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VAR claims that Alphonse Areola was not in control of the ball
Areola has been under constant criticism at West Ham for his performances.
This led to West Ham signing Mad Hermansen in the summer, and Cullen’s goal will not do much to help the Frenchman’s case.
While it did not matter too much in the end, as West Ham beat Burnley 3-2, it was another needless goal to concede.
Nevertheless, the Frenchman and many of his teammates felt that it should have been disallowed. They claimed that Areola was fouled and that the goalkeeper had hold of the ball when Cullen netted.
Areola has reclaimed his spot as West Ham’s number one
Questions have consistently been asked of the Frenchman due to his regular mistakes
However, against Burnley, Areola felt he was fouled
However, the Premier League has since released a statement on the incident claiming that this wasn’t the case.
A post from the Premier League Match Centre on 8 November read: “The referee’s call of goal was checked and confirmed by VAR – with it deemed that Areola was not in control of the ball before Cullen scored.”
#WHUBUR – 90+7’
The referee’s call of goal was checked and confirmed by VAR – with it deemed that Areola was not in control of the ball before Cullen scored.
— Premier League Match Centre (@PLMatchCentre) November 8, 2025
As a result, Cullen’s goal was allowed to stand after a quick check by VAR.
What were Alphonse Areola’s stats vs Burnley?
Despite the nature of the goal he conceded, Areola was not terrible against Burnley.
According to Fotmob on 8 November, the goalkeeper made five saves against the Clarets, while also winning 100 per cent of his aerial duels.
He also slightly overperformed his goals prevented by 0.09, which, while small, shows he had a solid game.
Alphonse Areola vs Burnley
Saves 5
Goals conceded 2
Errors leading to goals 1
Aerial duels won 100%
Goals prevented 0.09
Areola played okay against Burnley
If the Frenchman can cut out his mistakes, he could be a top goalie at the London Stadium for years to come.
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