Premier League forced to release two Arsenal vs West Ham VAR statements after penalty drama

The Premier League had to release two statements during Arsenal's Premier League clash against West Ham due to a significant amount of penalty drama. A staggering seven goals were scored in the first half of their London derby with the Gunners heading into the break 5-2 ahead.

Gabriel Magalhaes gave Mikel Arteta's side the lead with Leandro Trossard also on target before Martin Odegaard netted his first of the season. It looked as though Bukayo Saka would be the third scorer but he chose to hand Odegaard the penalty-taking responsibilities.

Kai Havertz then netted a fourth before the Hammers started to stage a comeback. Goals from Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Emerson in quick succession brought Julen Lopetegui's side back into the game only for them to concede another spot-kick with Saka keeping his penalty duties this time and scoring just before the interval.

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Given so much occurred in the first period, it was no surprise that the Premier League Match Centre account on X had to release statements for the two penalties that Arsenal were awarded by Anthony Taylor. The first of those came after Lucas Paqueta's foul on Saka.

"#WHUARS – 32’ The referee’s call of penalty for a foul by Paqueta on Saka was checked and confirmed by VAR, deeming that the contact was sufficient for a penalty," it read. No less than 15 minutes later, the account was needed again after Lukasz Fabianski missed the ball with his punch and instead hit Gabriel.

Taylor took some time but eventually decided that the challenge was illegal. Soon after that, the Premier League Match Centre account said: "#WHUARS - The referee’s call of penalty for a reckless challenge by Fabianski on Gabriel was checked and confirmed by VAR."

The second half was far less dramatic however with no goals coming and minimal chances conceded by either team. There was an injury concern for Arteta ahead of Manchester United though with Gabriel taken off at half time, likely as a precaution, for Jakub Kiwior.