Arsenal’s title charge took another blow as they lost 1-0 to West Ham at home on Saturday afternoon.
Jarrod Bowen‘s first-half goal sealed three points for the Hammers at the Emirates Stadium, as the hosts ended the game with ten men after youngster Myles Lewis-Skelly was sent off in the second-half.
GettyLewis-Skelly was shown a red card for denying a potential goal-scoring opportunity[/caption]
The 18-year-old Arsenal academy ace came on for Riccardo Calafiori but within 20 minutes was dismissed despite being shown an initial yellow.
Lewis-Skelly brought down Mohammed Kudus as the West Ham forward charged forwards from the halfway line.
Goalkeeper David Raya was a long way off his line with the West Ham star able to play a clear shot on goal, before being fouled by the young Gunner.
Referee Craig Pawson initially issued a yellow but was then called to the monitor by the VAR officials and ultimately upgraded the booking to a straight red.
Shortly after the incident, the Premier League Match Centre posted on X to justify their decision.
“VAR checked the referee’s call of yellow card to Lewis-Skelly for a challenge on Kudus – deeming it denial of an obvious goal-scoring opportunity due to the goalkeeper’s position and there being no covering defender, therefore recommended an on-field review,” the statement read.
“The referee then upgraded the yellow to a red card.”
It comes just weeks after the youngster’s wrongful sending off against Wolves – which was eventually overturned after outrage on social media.
Lewis-Skelly was punished for a challenge on Matt Doherty after catching the full-back on his ankle as the Wolves man attempted to launch a counter-attack.
The controversial decision was not overturned by VAR on the pitch, but was later rescinded by the FA.
GettyReferee Craig Pawson reviews the VAR monitor, resulting in Lewis-Skelly’s sending off[/caption]
Despite the red card, Mikel Arteta’s side went on to beat Wolves 1-0 thanks to Calafiori’s second-half strike, but there was no repeat of the ten-man heroics against West Ham.
Arsenal’s defeat seems them remain second in the Premier League, with leaders Liverpool having the chance to open up an 11-point lead should they beat Manchester City at the Etihad on Sunday.
With a number of key injuries, the Gunners have a difficult run ahead.
Mikel Arteta‘s side travel to in-form Nottingham Forest on Wednesday before travelling to PSV in the Champions League.
Man United, Chelsea and Fulham then await them in the top-flight.