Former Hammer Matthew Upson is calling for the offside rule to be “reviewed” following more VAR controversy at the Emirates yesterday.
Alexandre Lacazette scored the winner for Arsenal against West Ham with VAR overturning the decision after the linesman had originally put his flag up against Mesut Ozil.
It was another very close call by the video assistant with Lacazette’s goal the only one of the game as the Gunners won 1-0 at the Emirates.
And, with VAR regularly being scrutinised for offside decisions, Upson wants the rule to be reviewed.
The former Arsenal and West Ham star said: “The offside rule isn’t ready for this level of scrutiny. There has to be a margin. There are too many moving parts in the game to function to that degree of detail. It just doesn’t make sense to me. The offside rule needs to be reviewed.
“Their away performance has been set up brilliantly by David Moyes. They have just conceded that one goal and created enough chances themselves.
“They will look back at the game and think they should have scored an away goal.”
David Moyes bemoaned the VAR decision that condemned his side to another defeat.
Speaking to the BBC’s Match of the Day following the match, Moyes said: “We have got done by a goal from VAR. Maybe next year that goal won’t count. But we have got one of the best referees in Europe and two excellent linesmen officiating this game. I would have trusted their decision. I don’t think they needed to go to someone else.”
Analysis shows the Hammers have been the worst affected in points terms by VAR with seven points lost this season by VAR decisions.
VAR should be used like challenges in tennis. Manager has one per match. get it wrong, lose it. Use it at your peril (may make for a slow last ten minutes).