Pep Guardiola reacts to West Ham vs Arsenal VAR controversy - 'Cannot control'

Pep Guardiola has given his thoughts on West Ham's disallowed goal against Premier League title rivals Arsenal, as the Gunners came away with all three points

Pep Guardiola refused to get involved in the controversy that unfolded during Arsenal's Premier League match against West Ham on Sunday. Callum Wilson’s stoppage‑time equaliser was controversially disallowed after an incident involving Pablo and David Raya.

West Ham argued that similar situations have been 'judged differently' in previous matches, pointing to their recent game against Brentford where their appeals were ignored. As football.london previously reported, the club will lodge a formal complaint with the PGMOL over the disallowed goal.

The chalking‑off could prove costly at the end of the season. Had West Ham secured a point, they would have drawn level with Tottenham while also blowing the title race wide open.

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Meanwhile, Guardiola made it clear he would watch the game closely during last week's press conference and even shouted "Come on you Irons" before leaving the room.

On Tuesday, the City boss was asked for his thoughts on the decision that left Nuno Espirito Santo's side empty‑handed.

"It is a question for the referees, it is their decision. VAR has been here for many years, it is not just last weekend. We adapt, we know it, everyone knows it," Guardiola told reporters ahead of the Wednesday's clash against Crystal Palace (8pm).

When asked about the result and whether it had affected the players and himself, Guardiola added: "I didn't see the players, I gave them a day off. Crystal Palace. What you cannot control you forget about it. Crystal Palace."

Hammers captain Jarrod Bowen also vented his frustration after the game. "Yeah [hard done by]. There is a lot of ways I could go about answering this question," he told Sky Sports.

"Because we are on the receiving end, we will feel hard done by. Football is a sport that brings enjoyment and brings big moments. We had our big moment and thought we got back in the game.

"Look at something for five minutes, trying to find something. Goalkeepers are protected more than outfield players and there is a lot of holding inside the box.

"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.

"We had one at Brentford last week when Tomas Soucek got pulled at the back post and did not get a penalty. I just think, like I said, 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?"

Spurs, who played on Monday evening, drew 1-1 with Leeds United at home, meaning they now sit two points clear of the Hammers. It is all open in the battle to avoid relegation as well as the title race heading into the final two matches.

City are back in action this week and a win against Palace could close the gap to two points before their last two games against Bournemouth and Aston Villa. Meanwhile, Arsenal will play Burnley and Palace.

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