Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher has criticised Arsenal, claiming the club's boundary-pushing tactics are the reason they are "disliked" following the VAR controversy at West Ham
Daniel Orme Trends Writer
07:27, 12 May 2026Updated 07:34, 12 May 2026
Jamie Carragher spoke about Arsenal's tactics on Monday Night Football
Jamie Carragher spoke about Arsenal's tactics on Monday Night Football(Image: Sky Sports)
Jamie Carragher has accused Arsenal of hypocrisy, suggesting it's the root cause of why they've become "disliked" in the wake of the West Ham incident. The north London side believed their title aspirations had suffered a significant setback following Callum Wilson's late leveller at the London Stadium.
While the referee initially allowed the goal, an extensive VAR review ultimately chalked it off due to a foul on Arsenal's keeper David Raya. This episode follows a campaign where Arsenal have exploited set pieces to great effect - both in attack and defence.
Carragher argues their standing has taken a hit, particularly as they've protested against their own goals being disallowed under comparable circumstances.
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On Sky Sports, he remarked: "This all started with Arsenal two or three seasons ago putting 15 players in a six yard box and the reason people are annoyed with Arsenal, and feel they've got away with it, is that this is a football club who push the boundaries in every area to try and gain an advantage - that's why they are disliked," reports the Mirror.
"The manager stands on the edge of the touchline, putting the opposition's left wing or right back off, screaming down his ear. Gabriel going down on the floor anytime someone breaths on him."
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta also offered his take at the decision and was full of praise for the officials for cancelling the goal.
Arsenal benefitted from a controversial VAR call on Sunday
West Ham's late goal against Arsenal was cancelled following a VAR review(Image: Getty Images)
He said: "The goalkeeper being the first one to take the atmosphere in a stadium to another degree and what they do at set pieces.
"That's why there's this feeling 'they do it every week, how are they getting away with it'. But that doesn't mean this isn't a foul."
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta also weighed in on the decision, heaping praise on the match officials for disallowing the goal.
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He commented: "When I had to be critical, I have been. Today I have to congratulate them [VAR]. You needed 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. The action deserved that. In my opinion, it is very clear. They are the rules and we ask for consistency."
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Arsenal's victory at West Ham puts them at the summit of the table, five points ahead of their closest challengers Manchester City.