'Just because it's Arsenal'... - Danny Murphy praised for best response to West Ham VAR controversy

Former Premier League midfielder-turned-pundit Danny Murphy has been widely praised for his comments on the controversial VAR call that saw West Ham’s late strike against Arsenal ruled out on Sunday.

Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal side went five points clear of second-place Manchester City with a hard-fought 1–0 win over West Ham at the London Stadium, courtesy of Leandro Trossard’s 83rd-minute strike.

The home side thought Callum Wilson had levelled things and secured them a valuable point, only for the strike to be ruled out after a lengthy VAR review, which resulted in referee Chris Kavanagh being sent to the monitor. The official then decided to rule the goal out for a foul on David Raya in the build-up, a decision which has divided the opinion of fans and pundits.

As expected, Arteta praised the call and Kavanagh for his bravery, while West Ham boss Nuno Espírito Santo was less kind, suggesting the officials “don’t know what a foul is” while also claiming they “confuse themselves”.

West Ham are set to lodge an official complaint with the PGMOL following the incident, with the club remaining in the relegation zone with just two matches to play.

Danny Murphy offers alternative take - 'Just because it’s Arsenal'

On Sunday evening, Murphy offered his opinion during BBC Match of the Day 2, with the former Liverpool man widely praised for his take.

Former Premier League goalkeeper Shay Given voiced his frustrations at the call, saying: “The thing that grates on me is we have seen on numerous occasions with Arsenal this season goalkeepers and defenders getting blocked off and the goal stands. Everyone is frustrated about the consistency of refereeing decisions. Why are some goals allowed to stand and this was disallowed? There is so much at stake at the bottom of the league and at the very top.

“The other thing is Gabriel is holding, Ødegaard is holding, Trossard is holding before the foul even happens on Raya. When does the referee decide that’s the foul he wants to pick and not the previous foul?”

“The controversy and discontent around West Ham not being given the goal is because it’s Arsenal,” Murphy replied. “They can’t be held accountable for decisions in the past.

“The VAR officials have got to say what they see and it’s a clear foul. Just because it’s Arsenal, we shouldn’t get it distorted.”

Fans were quick to praise Murphy on social media.

One said: “This moment from @BBCMOTD perfectly sums up the delusion around Arsenal. Shay was dying about this because it means Arsenal will win the league, pretending it’s about this. But credit to Danny Murphy, of all people. It’s a foul. Anyone who can’t see it is deluded by their hatred.”

Another added: “Well done Danny Murphy. Doesn’t appear to be suffering from anti-Arsenal derangement syndrome.”

A third claimed: “Credit to Danny Murphy for speaking the truth here.”

A fourth praised: “Danny talking perfect sense. There would be zero outrage for any other team. People would even be mocking West Ham if it was against anyone else.”

West Ham return to action away at Newcastle on May 17, before Arsenal host Burnley on May 18.