Hermansen Questions VAR Consistency After Raya Gets Controversial Protection in Arsenal Draw

West Ham's Mads Hermansen has voiced his bewilderment at the VAR decision that cost his side a goal in Sunday's encounter with Arsenal, suggesting the call represents a curious departure from how the Premier League has treated similar incidents throughout the season.

The match ended 1-0 to the Gunners, courtesy of Leandro Trossard's deflected effort, but the real talking point came in the dying moments. Callum Wilson appeared to have restored parity with a corner-kick finish, only for a lengthy VAR examination to determine that Pablo had committed a foul on Raya. The decision ultimately stood, leaving West Ham empty-handed.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta was full of praise for the officials' intervention, describing their actions as demonstrating "courage and bravery" in overturning the on-field decision. "When I had to be critical, I have been," Arteta said. "Today I have to congratulate them. The referee and the VAR today had a lot of courage to stop and analyse the action and give the opportunity to the referee to make the call."

Arteta elaborated on his reasoning, arguing that contact had been made with Raya as he prepared to gather the ball. "I think nobody would disagree that it is a clear foul because David has the ball almost in his hands and they don't allow him to do that," he explained.

However, Hermansen has painted a rather different picture when reflecting on the incident. The West Ham stopper revealed he'd discussed the matter with Raya after the final whistle and found common ground on a broader frustration: the apparent inconsistency in how such situations are being adjudicated.

"I spoke with David after the game and I think we have the same experience on this matter during this season," Hermansen stated. "Because, of course, he has every right to ask for a free-kick or a foul on him. But I think you can find a lot of situations during this season where it's been different."

The goalkeeper went on to express his puzzlement at why this particular decision warranted such intervention. "If you ask any goalkeeper in the league, if he's been illegally blocked, pulled, pushed on corners this season I think you will not find anyone who has not experienced this," he said. "So to give this, I'm not sure I understand why."

Hermansen acknowledged the contact itself was legitimate grounds for a foul, but questioned the selective application of the rule. "You know, I agree it's a foul. You can give the foul on the goalkeeper, definitely," he added. "But with what has been given during this season of goals with illegal blocks and illegal pulls and pushing and stuff on goalkeepers, I don't understand why that's been given. That's all."