Arsenal survive incredible late VAR drama to close in on PL title

23:12Yes. So sometimes in football, we talk about making good runs, one, two's running off the back of people. What's goals in some of these lads, you sometimes stand still. Yeah. Stand still and trust your teammates to open up a little bit of space because from the very start of that move, he literally takes one or two yards. Again, the little softness of the pass, and I think even then it gets a slight deflection. So you need them few little breaks along the way. Can we see that again? We will, yeah. I mean, the reaction tells you everything because they know it might only have taken one goal here, as it proved to be.

23:38But, Jamie, what have you seen in there? I just feel with Martin Odegaard. He doesn't get all the love. I think he deserves some Arsenal fans at times. But I love what he does here because he stays calm. Little one, two. And the most important thing is he gets his right arm out there and he just pushes away Jouf. Look, you'll see it here. Look, it's a beautiful one-two with Decauille. So hard to defend. Now that right arm comes out there, pushes him away. He waits, he waits, calm. And he just says, there you go. Because every defender is going back towards their goal. You can see De Sazi's going back.

24:06Mavropanos, he's got to wait for them, wait for them, wait for them. Now the space is now opened up for him to lay it back to him perfectly. It's a beautiful piece of play. And that's what you get with Martin Odegaard. People look at what he can't do. Look, the calmness, head up, head up. There you go, mate. Finish that one. And it still needs a finish, though. This is a guy in Trossard who's not scored in 2026. Yeah, but he's...

24:25Ian Wright:25 appearances with that one. Yeah, but this is, again, this is the quality of someone like Trossard. He knows. You know what I mean? He comes, he does the job. But Roy made a great point. If you watch that, Trossard, sometimes you don't have to move. You don't have to move. You know, just know the football. You know that Erdogan will be able to keep that and get it to you. And he's stayed there. And sometimes you can just stay still. and then I could say the guy's got the quality to play at a pace where he doesn't need a touch he can just finish it first time and it's still got a deflection but it went in but even the little details there with Bowen then you're on about attacking players getting back defending and he's just that I think if he can just smell the danger I know he's an attacking player and he's on the wrong side he's got to get back you're on about making sacrifices and put bodies on the line and just one or two players West Ham players kind of back but not concentration levels not just going to extra yard to kind of proper defend your goal Well, VAR had their say.

25:19We've got three forensics of our own here to try and pick the bones out of the Royal Rumble. Roy, would you like to have the first attempt at this? West Ham have got everything up at this point. They've got the goalkeeper, they've got the kitchen sink. It's all going on. As they're going to do. Again, the one thing you're saying when you're going up, because obviously VAR, they're going to check everything. Do not put your hands on the goalkeeper. And certainly don't leave it on for three or four seconds. So when we saw the clips, obviously, it was madness here. And there's loads of other fouls.

25:44There's all sorts going on. But because the goalkeeper had such a big path to play, I think it is a foul. He's got his... But he must know they're going to check VAR. I don't know if he's proper pulling his jersey. I mean, the first question is, is Pablo being fouled by Trussard?

25:59Ian Wright:There's all Trussard, of course. Honestly, it's like... You see Declan was holding someone. It's like he was spooning someone. He's running with someone spooning. You know, look at Declan. I'm told Ian that VAR checked the Trussard one. It's a Debo. It's a Debo. And they also checked... Look at Declan Rice. They also checked that one from Declan Rice. on Mavropanoff. But you're on about the discipline of going up. Do not give that foul away. I'd be really disappointed. That's a poor foul, yeah. But you know what, I think that, I think David Rea catches that simply. If he's not impeded, he catches that.

26:30And Callum Wilson is so bright because he, you can see him there. Look, watch Callum Wilson, he just reverses all the chaos that happens and he knows if that ball then falls to me, looks awful by Saliba, puts it back into an area and here he is. Oh, brilliant. Do you all think, though, that they've got to the right decision? Without a doubt. Because this is one of the biggest decisions we've ever seen.

26:51Ian Wright:Oh, without a doubt. Absolutely. Otherwise, it wouldn't have been given. Look, you can see it there, pulling him there and then the arm comes across. Look, there's the arm. He can't catch it cleanly. Roy? There's a foul. Yeah, it's a foul. It's a foul. There was about 10 in there but that was the one that you're going to look at. I mean, do you think it's because it's the goalkeeper? You said Dennis Burkett. Do you think, Roy, it's because it's the goalkeeper? And that's the one that's the protected area. Again, there was so much going on. There was chaos everywhere. But the impact I had on him, trying to obviously get their hands to it, is George getting pulled his arms across his throat.

27:24Yeah. And he plays it well. Look at him. He's obviously, listen. Yes. He's an Arsenal player. He's going to make the most. Because as they all know, the goal's going to be checked. So if you do feel your foul, players are going to go down. Yeah. And that's exactly what happened. So it's also a smart player from Arsenal, but I think really silly from West Ham. Whatever you do, don't go up and make it such an obvious foul. Because they're going to check.

27:44Ian Wright:Yeah. And the thing is, because West Ham are pretty good. I know they can concede at free kicks and that, but they are very good at it and they don't need to be doing that. They don't need to be doing that. They've got enough. Look at Mavra. It's wild, though. Look at that. Look how many fouls are going on there, Ian. Talk about pressure. You know, there's 60 ,000 West Ham fans in here that were willing them to stick with that on-field decision. Well, yeah, but you can't just stick with an on-field decision if it's not right. They had a lot of looks at it, didn't they? In terms of that clear and obvious.

28:11Ian Wright:I don't know why, yeah, but why? Why do they have so many looks at it? You can see his arm is impeding, David Rea. The referee, it's not like he's just got to give a decision. He's actually got to come out of his... It's like the wedding speech, isn't it? Yes. I mean, he's like the best man. He's nervous. He must have been. We need a shot of him because I think he needs a poster for his war. Alongside Bob Marley and Martin. But that is just the most dramatic end to a game of this stature as well, isn't it? Imagine the last few minutes there for Arteta and his staff and all the fans when they're looking at that moment decision.

28:43and yeah, we feel it is a foul, but you're still hoping maybe, imagine a Man City camp and Pep and his staff and players and their supporters watching it. Again, the emotions for fans today, West Ham at the, yeah, it was a crazy finish.

28:55Ian Wright:Tottenham would be happy about it. Well, maybe. Tottenham would be happy, I think. Not all of them. Let's get some more reaction because, I'm very pleased to say, we can speak live now to the Arsenal skipper, Martin Erdegaard, who's emerged from the dressing room to speak live to us. Martin, give us an idea of the mood inside that dressing room right now. No, I think you can imagine. It was a big moment and a big win. Yeah, brilliant, brilliant feeling, you know, in there after the game. And we had to dig deep. We had to really fight for it. And yeah, we got over the line in the end. So yeah, really, really happy.

29:32So is there a little bit of relief in there with the happiness as well, Martin? Because, crikey, you were living on your nerve in those final few minutes. Yeah, of course. I mean, we know what we're playing for. We know how important today was. And as I said, we had to dig deep. We had to wait for the goal for a while. And obviously with the situation at the end of the game, it's a bit of relief there. But yeah, the main feeling is just happiness. And yeah, proud of the team, proud of the effort. And yeah, it was brilliant. You were watching a lot of it, of course, from the bench. What did you feel like your main duty was when you did get on the pitch?

30:08No, I thought we started the game really strong. beginning of the first half, I thought we looked really good and dangerous, created a few big moments. And then after that, I felt like they maybe took a little bit over the momentum of the game, got the game into, what can I say, their way a little bit more. So it was about getting that calmness on the ball and try to make something happen. You know, they defend with five in the back and it was really tight. So it was about finding that moment. And yeah, we did in the end, so really happy.

30:37Ian Wright:Ian Wright, I just wanted to say congratulations Skip on coming on and doing the business. How's it been these last few games and preparing for these last few games? Because it's been pretty intense, especially this one being so tough and having to get it over the line. How's it been? No, it's been amazing. Obviously, we know what we're fighting for and we fight for probably the two biggest trophies in club football. And yeah, that's a privilege and something we really enjoy. and yeah, it's everything to play for and these are the best moments, you know, so we just enjoy it and now it's time to get ready for the next one and go again, you know, so that's all we can do, so definitely enjoying it.

31:17Martin, Jamie Redknapp, we're going to talk about the goal, obviously, fantastic piece of play from you, you stayed calm in such an important moment, just talk us through it. Yeah, as I said, I thought we were struggling a little bit to generate something, you know, they were quite tight in the back there and defended well, So, yeah, just tried to get on the ball, you know, take it forward. It was a nice little one-two with deck, I think. And then, yeah, I found Leo in the box. And he's always good in those moments and always there for the big moments. And, again, he delivers. So, really happy for him as well.

31:50What was it you took those two, three touches as you arrived into the box just to give Leandro Trossard that time to just reverse and then you can play it to him nicely? Yeah, no, I think that was crucial. I saw him and I heard him shouting for it. but I needed to get a better angle and I managed to do that and he put it in the back of the net so brilliant. And a great moment. Just want to ask you towards the end how much did you age in that last few minutes waiting for the VAR? I think it's worse honestly for the people watching from home and in the stands. When you're on the pitch you're so focused and obviously it was a big call and took a lot of time So it's always a difficult situation to be in.

32:33But in the end, I think we got the right decision and we got the win. So I'm really happy. I'm interested to hear you say that, Martin, because we can see the replay. So we can get an idea whether we think the goal is going to be given or not. But on the pitch, you're almost blind to it. So it must be a terrible waiting for that moment. Yeah, I mean, it's not nice. But I think when you saw the reaction from our players, we were quite sure that something was wrong. and all you can do is just wait. It's not ideal that you have to wait for so long, but I understand it's a big call to make as well.

33:07That's football nowadays and you just have to deal with it. Just happy we got the win in the end and that's all that matters. So you have the advantage in this race with Manchester City. I'm sitting next to the Premier League trophy here in the studio. Martin, I know you can't see it, but do you feel it's almost close enough to reach now? Yeah, obviously we know it's only two games left, so definitely close. But I think, as we've said the whole season and as we've done the whole season, it's key now even more, I think, to stay in the moment and just prepare for the next game, get ready for that win and move on.

33:42So, yeah, I think it's key to stay calm and just prepare for the next one now. That's all we can do. Well done. Congratulations, Martin. Thank you. Another one chalked off. Thank you for talking to us. Cheers, guys. Set the target, didn't he? Mikel Arteta win the last five, three down, two to go, and this will be theirs. Could even happen before the final day if City drop points against Crystal Palace this week. Of course, every game has two sides to the story, and none more so than in this instance for West Ham United, who were absolutely distraught in those final few seconds. Reaction from the Hammers dressing room next.

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35:41This is the Sky Sports Premier League podcast. Let's get more analysis of the game and return to the studio. West Ham fighting for their Premier League future. thought they'd found a lifeline here with a late equaliser from Callum Wilson given on field by Chris Kavanagh. But after a view disallowed, let's get reaction from West Ham. Jared Bowen is talking to Patrick Davison. Well, Jared, let's start with the equaliser that wasn't. Do you feel incredibly hard done by? I'd like to see, yeah. I mean, there's a lot of ways that you could go about this answering this question is because we're on the receiving end of it, we're going to feel more hard done by.

36:28But, you know, football is a sport that brings, you know, enjoyment, fans together and gives people big moments. We had our big moment then before we got back into the game, look at something for five minutes, trying to find something which, I get goalkeepers are protected more than outfield players. There's lots of, you know, holding and grappling that goes on in the box. Are you going to look at those every single time and give a penalty because that's the only way that is the right way to do it. You've got to give, like I said, I get that the goalkeepers, you can't go and wipe a goalkeeper out and there's arms there, but the keeper's coming to try and grab the ball.

37:02He's got to be seen, not as an outfield player, but he's got to expect contact. It's a corner kick, it's physical, it's the Premier League. There's going to be contact, there's going to be tussles and what have you. Obviously, we're on the receiving end of it, so we feel more hard done by, but we had one at Brentford last week where Thomas Suchet got pulled at the back post, got dragged down, didn't get a penalty. so I'm just saying as a consistency level you know VAR is here to stay we know that but I just think that the decisions like I said if you look at something for five minutes and I'm going to sound bitter and people are going to think I sound bitter but I think I'm just being honest that if you look at something for long enough you'll find something to give and I think that was what happened in the end So to sum up when it happens every week every game actually pretty much every corner why now enforce it?

37:47Well I can guarantee you that people the pundits everyone that watches football know that football is a physical game and there's holding every single time no one wants to see penalties every single week no one wants to see fouls against every single week you know you want you want the game to be going on that's why like I said that's why everyone loves football because they love you know a fast action fast paced physical game but if we're going to give you know free kicks for like I said goalkeepers are different because they do get you know a little bit of different treatment but in the same same breath I think there's got to be a little bit of understanding with it well that you know when there's a corner you see how corners are these days people want to put it on top of goalkeepers, create that confusion, create that kind of fight in the six yard box.

38:25So yeah, that's what I think it is. And like I said, I'm not coming here to sound bitter and blaming different things, but I think I'm just being honest about the situation, the receiving end that we've been on the receiving end of. And maybe an irony to the fact that it's come against the team that's probably done that the most, that's almost pioneered that type of corner. Well, yeah, they're probably the best example of being so, so good from set pieces, a real threat of their game. And, you know, they're physical and they want to put the ball on top of the goalkeeper. And I'm sure we could go back through every single game and see, you know, goalkeepers getting fouled and, you know, not getting decisions.

38:59So that's my point with it, is if you're going to give it, give it for every single one that happens week in, week up. Can I ask, have you actually seen it back? Do you think it is a foul? Yeah. Like I said, I think he's got his arm on him. I don't think you can deny that he's got his arm on him. I'm not going to come here and be naive and stupid and say, no, he's not touched me. I think he's got his arm in him. But like I said, in the same breath, if the goalkeeper's coming to try and catch a cross, we're trying to affect that. We don't want the goalkeeper to come and catch the ball and finish our attack.

39:25And that's why I said, he's coming out of his six-yard box. We've got to expect some contact for everyone because that's the whole point of a corner. That's the whole point of physical Premier League. So it's just where's the line, where's the bar, you know? Just lastly then what are the consequences it's not fair to say of that decision but of the defeat basically Yeah no listen we've lost the game take that away we've lost the game in a game where it was we knew we had to be good in our shape we knew we'd get a couple of opportunities we'd have to defend well obviously defend their set piece as well they get the goal but we kept in there Mateus had a really big chance we had some other big good chances as well so we were still really in the game but ultimately regardless of the decision and we've still lost the game and it's a point that we've dropped, you know.

40:12And that's disappointing, but there's two games left. It's, you know, do or die. I think the attitude we're showing today was really good. I think we went toe-to-toe with a side that's going for the Premier League title. So we have to keep doing that. We can't be, you know, defeated. This can't be it. The message, the mindset for our group is we keep going. That's all we can do. Thank you. A frustrated figure, Gerard Bowen. As you'd expect, given how the game finished from a West Ham perspective. His main point and his main complaint was that the goalkeeper, if he comes out that far, has to expect contact.

40:48Do you understand that? Yeah, I think it's just the length of time that he has his arm across David Raad is a problem and the foul is on a keeper. I think if it's just on another player, it's fine, but the fact that you're holding the keeper like that down and you're stopping him, you're impeding him, I think your VAR is always just going to look at that. and that's why I think unanimously and here we believe that is a foul you can see him here he's

41:11Ian Wright:got his arm his left arm across his neck it's a foul he's got he's getting ready to catch it with two with his two hands so the mere fact that he's armed is my phone's blowing up with people saying it's not first not fair he can't come and do what he does catch the ball because he's being impeded by catching it he would have caught it but his arms have been there's jerseys being pulled right You know, it's one of those that is so unlucky because of the gravitas of everything in the moment. But that is a foul. He's very clever the way he makes the most of it as well. There, look, that's a foul.

41:46Ian Wright:He's trying to catch it. He can't move his arms anymore. He can't jump right. The other point that Gerard Bowe makes is if you look at something for that long, you're going to find something. It was two minutes and 35 seconds from the ball crossing the line to Chris Kavanagh being sent to the screen. And then he was shown 17 different replays. so I think it was four minutes 17 from goal crossing the ball crossing the line to goal being chucked off well that's the problem go on well that's the problem with VAR because we all know pretty quickly and obviously they've got such a big moment but to look at that many times obviously that's a bit I think that's the frustrating thing for lots of ex-players or players or fans watching the game because I think they did get to the right decision it just took it was very long it shouldn't take that long David and you've got to be careful after the match the West Ham players will come out of course they're going to be frustrated but that's that moment's not cost-west.

42:34They've lost 18 league games. You need a few breaks, but again, when you go into the box because of VAR, whether you like it or not, they're going to double-check everything anyway. So the one thing you don't do, don't be putting your elbow across the goalkeeper for that long and grabbing his jersey because they're going to call it. Yeah, as they did. They are scrambling for points that has cost them today. Let's hear from their manager, Nuno Espito Santo, with Patrick Davison. Nuno, it was an angry and emotional tunnel at full time from a West Ham perspective. Do you feel wronged? Yeah, due to the circumstances of the game, the way the game finished, we were all upset, of course.

43:14What did you make of it? Look, I didn't pay attention to the replay, just to not get more upset and avoiding. But look, there's a referee, there's VAR, there's circumstances in the past that have been judged different. So let's not go much further than that. Yeah, fine. Jarrod Bowen has been in for his interview and talked about a situation with corners where there's wrestling every corner, there's arms across goalkeepers and defenders every corner, every week, every game. I think his point was really why is it suddenly being enforced? Yes, it's what I said, due to the recent seasons, this has been happening and even the referees don't know what is a foul, what isn't a foul, so it creates a lot of doubts and speculation around it.

44:05And of course, for you guys, the consequences of that decision could be huge. Takes a point off you. Yes, but let's look at the game overall. I think before we had a good chance, we made a very good match. The attitude, the character, the belief, how we played, how the boys went for it. We create situations, we try to control. Arsenal is a tough team, overall a very good performance that in the end doesn't come away to result that we expected and we wanted and we needed. We wanted to win the game, we lost the game, finish. more and more after a tough what would you say first 20 minutes 20 or so minutes did you grow into the match and start to make it your kind of game yeah I think so it was about being pragmatic in the beginning of the game realising that how to exploit some weaknesses with our wing backs we achieved many times but I think it was an exception to the set piece situation we didn't allow too much to Arsenal.

45:16So, look, tough team that we play against. The stadium was amazing. The noise, the energy, we cannot thank them enough to our fans. And it's our responsibility to once again bounce back and go for the last two games, but fight until the last second. What did the three at the back give you? Because often people will see that and think, well, an extra defender, you're going to sit in and defend. But it's obviously not as simple as that. It releases other players, for example. Yeah, I think it was the idea to try and press with our backs high and create a higher line in our defensive line. And I think the three boys behind it did an amazing job.

45:57So that mission to stay in the league, if you can play like that for two more games, still alive, still possible? Yeah, we are on it. We are on it. It's our obligation. The responsibility of defending a big club like West Ham, We have to go to the last. Anything can happen. All eyes on Tottenham tomorrow? I think you watch every game anyway. We watch every game. Let's see what happens. But up to us now to rest and prepare well. Newcastle, like I said before, anything can happen. Thanks, Nuno. Cheers, Padre. Thank you. You're gentlemen. Thank you. Jamie, just a question on the formation and tactics that they used today.

46:32They have got a lot of success playing four at the back in recent weeks. They did do the three or the five against Manchester City and that brought them a point. and yes, it was fought at the back against Brentford last week. But did you think as the game went on that actually there was a chance they could actually get two strikers on, Pablo and Castellanos? Instead, Pablo replaced Castellanos with Somerville and Bowen and go with that attacking four, which has been quite successful for them. No, I think it'd be really incorrect to me to question that because if he scores, Fernandes, it's a tactical masterclass.

47:05That's the difference, you know, and he went like for like and they stayed in the game because he's probably thinking also a point wouldn't have been the worst result today. It puts a little bit of pressure on Tottenham. So no, I think he got it right. I think the wing backs were good. I think the back three, I thought Mavropanos again was magnificent. The amount of defending he did, both boxes, heading it, clearing it for his own team. I thought he was excellent. You know, I'd like to have seen a little bit more of Jared if I'm honest and some of who had some moments. But I think all in all, we looked at that and thought to be in the game as late as what they were and just wait for that one moment.

47:36Like the boys say, Fernandes scores they'd probably end up winning the game. So no, I didn't think he got it wrong today. Do you have any questions on that? No, I'd agree. No, I think the team shape and especially the wing-backs getting them up the pitch, yeah, obviously they lack quality and you still have one or two of your staff players to turn up, but they're down near the bottom for a reason. They're obviously lacking confidence and, again, a lot of defeats. But then you hope, I think the manager's small when he woke up, the system we have, whatever, if we get that one opportunity, which you kind of always kind of do in a game of football, no matter how bad you can be, and that was the big moment.

48:07we could be here until the cows come home but when you get that chance the manager and the staff will know that and Fernandes if he takes that then everything else in terms of the shape and the tactics would be spot on so I wouldn't be too critical I thought they stayed in the game a bit of quality a couple of decisions that went against them and they had a big chance the reason they're near the bottom is they don't take enough of them chances yeah and they absolutely did stay in the game Arsenal had scored 11 goals here in the last two visits and it was only one that they managed against West Ham today but it's no consolation to them because it's looking pretty bleak down there.

48:43Two games to go for West Ham United they can get to a maximum 42 so Leeds Forest Palace all safe now. It's just West Ham or Spurs. I'm breaking it down Spurs have got a game in hand which starts against Leeds tomorrow but with that one point advantage with an 11 goal difference advantage on West Ham as well they just well they know that matching West Ham's points from this way in is going to be absolutely fine. Five is the maximum they needed. A win and two draws right now. It might not be as many as that. West Ham, in effect, have to be two points better than Spurs over this final stretch of the season.

49:21How do you see it, Ian?

49:22Ian Wright:You know, I think, I didn't think Spurs were going to make it until I saw them play against Villa the other day and they were unbelievable, especially the midfield in Palina and Gallagher. And I think just off of that performance alone, if they can replicate that, then I think they'll be all right. I think that West Ham's problem is, like Roy said, obviously there's lost a lot of games. But I think the Brentford game, where they were very unlucky as well, hit the post a couple of times, hit the bar. And I think that's the game they should have focused this kind of energy on, because then this game would have been like a luxury game for them.

49:54Ian Wright:They needed to win the Brentford game. And I think they missed that one. And then in the end, Brentford ran away winnings. and we saw that they've got the fight and the capability of taking Arsenal all the way to the end. And unfortunately, it didn't happen. But I think that's just the way it goes, I think. Does it feel too late for them, Roy, after 14 seasons in the Premier League? Yeah, it looks that way, doesn't it? And obviously the manager, he's had a bit of class after the game there. It's hard to front up when you've been beaten. It's a big loss for the club. Yeah, but they are certainly up against it.

50:21Especially with Spurs are home tomorrow to Leeds. Leeds being confirmed that they're staying up. Again, you're not going to be dismissing their efforts. but how will Leeds kind of turn up tomorrow they'll be almost celebrating today the fact they've stayed up and they've got to turn up to Tottenham tomorrow they'll be professional and obviously they've got a very good manager but yeah it does look pretty good for Spurs now Certainly blowing a mighty side relief aren't they Spurs from here? Yeah they are but you'll also Spurs fans won't be getting too excited just yet because their home form this season has been disgusting Haven't won at home since December that gives West Ham a bit of hope It does but I do believe with De Zerbe and he's just it feels like They've given them a bit of energy, a bit of impetus in midfield.

51:02Like you said there, right, Benson Coeur as well in there with Paulina and Gallagher. They've sort of fallen on a way of playing. You know, Danso's done well at the back of Van der Ven. But pressure can do crazy things, so you don't know. But right now, I think Tottenham will be looking good. And they've got a big lift today, watching that, of course. Of course, yeah. Walksport, weird. They're all Tottenham fans, but that's a really... It's a big moment for them now, and I think they'll be fine. Just got to get two wins. All to play for for Spurs against Leeds on the Monday Night Football tomorrow night When we come back, focus on the top and the race of the title.

51:32A few puffs of the cheeks today from Mikel Arteta on the sidelines and from those Arsenal fans watching on here and wherever they were watching today. Goodness me, they got it done, but it was dramatic. We'll hear from Mikel Arteta next.

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52:31Welcome back to the Sky Sports Premier League podcast. Let's get back to the studio for more reaction to today's game. They are so close now, Arsenal fans, to celebrating the title. All those William Salibas in the middle of them there as well. A victory here at West Ham United in the most dramatic fashion in the end. And they really are starting to believe it is job done. Not quite yet, sir.

53:04500 games now for Mikel Arteta as Arsenal player and manager signed for£10 million in August 2011 from Everton and 350 now as a manager on the touchline I'm not sure any more dramatic than the final 10 minutes of this one here at the London Stadium today Here he is with Patrick Davison Well, Mikel, your 500th game representing Arsenal as a player and a manager, can you remember one more nerve-shredding than that? I'm going to certainly remember this day and this number. It was a rollercoaster of emotions. We knew it was going to be a really tough day fighting for their lives. We were trying to win the Premier League, so much at stake.

53:52We started the game so well, I think we had three big chances, we didn't put the game away and then with the injury of Ben, we have to make a change, then we have to adapt that change again and make some difficult decisions. We throw everything that we had to try to win it, I think we got rewarded for that courage. Martin had an unbelievable action that helps you to win the game with Leo and then there are two actions, one obviously the action of David, 17th minute, I think it is 1-1, one against one and he made an incredible save. And then there is the controversy around the last disallowed goal.

54:29That is obviously a big decision. And when I had to be critical, I have been. And today I have to congratulate him because I think you need a lot of courage and bravery to stand out, to at least give the opportunity to referee, to have a look at the action because there is so much chaos and bodies in and around the box, but when you see the picture clearly, I think there is no question that it's a foul. You seemed pretty clear that it was a foul, nonetheless do you commend their decision making under that level of purpose? That decision could decide things at two ends of the table. That's why I said that they were very brave at least to give the opportunity and I think the action deserved that and then it could have gone either way I think in my opinion it's very clear if I was on the other side I would do the same, I think I was very clear in Madrid with certain actions that would go punished as well because there are the rules and we ask for consistency within those rules so yeah very pleased because that was a big game to win.

55:34In that second where the score clock does read 1-1, what is that like for you? Does your season, your career flash before your eyes? I don't know, because there's still another two games to play, but we really came here to win again today. When you throw everything and everything that you've done in the season, to create those moments and this scenario, I think somehow you have to get rewarded and we said, let go. It was said in commentary, to win a title, you need one of these. It looks like it might go a bit wrong with the injury, where it looks like the goal isn't coming. your keeper makes a massive save the controversy at the end obviously you're not going to stand in there and say yeah we're going to do it but to win a title do you need a day like this?

56:22You have to have the ability to win in all kinds of contexts and we have shown that throughout the season and with the amount of games that we played and won I think we've shown that but the only thing that matters is now the present and making it happen on the day today we've done it there is two more to go So now the only focus is Burnley. Can I just ask about the knock-on effect of the Benoit injury? Because obviously I think you're trying to be as brave as you can be. Declan goes to right back, but you lose a bit of control of the game. They make another decision. Martin Zuberman, who's come on then comes off.

56:57So you'll have it, I don't know, it's gut instinct, is it? You're just having to sort of read the game as it changes from what you wanted? We were so dominant through what we wanted to do. And bringing Mosquera was going to give us something different. So I went for Declan and on that moment, I don't know if it's because of the position, there are two actions that we suffer a little bit. On that side we have the opportunity at half-time because Ricky has to come off as well, which is painful. To make another change, we do it and then at some point I had the feeling we have to change the game, we need two players in those pockets that are proper attacking midfielders.

57:33We went for it and we got rewarded. Just quickly, Calafuri was an injury, was it? Yeah. Any sort of length of time? We'll have to wait and see with both of them what it is, but unfortunately, yes. OK, lastly then, what would you say about the resilience, courage, maybe even bottle your team has shown in the last week, two weeks? Unbelievable, because that was a big week. I mean, we played for everything this week, and the way the boys have responded to the challenge and especially to the opportunity has been immense. but as well our supporters I must say again how loud they were today how a beautiful connection they have created with our players and really thank you because they make the difference well done thank you so that just clears that up about Calafiore who was taken off at half time our understanding was at the time that was tactical but Mikel Arteta saying he's injured so hopefully they'll have him back as quickly as possible Roy I wanted to ask you a question from the perspective of being a manager because when you're watching a game as a fan like Ian was today.

58:34When your team concedes a goal, it is absolutely sickening. When you score a goal, it is the best feeling in the world. What is it like as a manager there? Are you feeling those emotions or is it more that you're trying to calculate what to do in those moments? I think there's a bit of both, but I think we've seen the side to Arteta there where he's, it's that emotion side of him. I usually when he comes out, a bit like Pep can be sometimes and it's kind of very robotic and they're managers and they're in the zone or whatever. But his interview there, it's obviously relief we've heard that from the players but even from the manager he's got a bit of a smile on him he's obviously got a smile there to himself he knows the importance of it and there's everything going on there there's obviously he's got to be a professional he's tactically trying to make decisions he's obviously said he's acknowledged one or two things there moving Declan and then one or two injuries at halftime so that's we use that phrase rollercoaster it's extreme extreme highs you go the goal up and he's thinking listen because we've been so solid at the back then they concede an injury time he'd be going through all sorts so that's why we see these managers after games they're absolutely drained it'll be the same for the West Ham manager the highs and lows so watching from one manager to another how well do you think he is managing these incredibly dramatic crucial moments?

59:48very well absolutely I think he's had good backing over the last few years and there's been a lot of obviously criticism towards Arsenal and Arteta obviously and he's had that support He had good recruitment again this summer. And nobody, the last few, everyone, the last few years when Arsenal kind of slipped up, it was because they're not mentally strong. They were weak and bottled and all this type of stuff. So if people want to be criticising for that when they were kind of slipping up, then we've got to praise them for what they're doing now. But even though they're doing well, it's like, oh, no, it's a bit boring, it's a bit robotic.

1:00:23They're strong at set pieces. But yeah, that's the bit you were getting criticised for the last few years. So you have to give them all the praise. They've been patient, he's had the backing, but he's doing the business. So you have to take your hat off to him. Did you fear, though, Ian, that he might have made a bit of a mistake in that first half? With that positional change for Declan Rice, particularly, which did seem to lose Arsenal momentum.

1:00:45Ian Wright:Yeah, it just felt like Declan, being for me the best player, is not in the most important place for us. And that's in the middle, progressing with the ball and breaking things up and getting things going alongside Myles Lewis Skelly. So if that was a mistake, do you then praise him for actually finding that correction quite quickly at half-time? Well, I think it had to happen because Declan being out there, it's when they started to build momentum in the game. Because then Christensen was able to get on the ball and get at him and then they started to attack us down that side a little bit. So I was feeling at some stage, surely Mosquera, who is a right-back, who's coming off.

1:01:22Ian Wright:Right-back, centre-back. Right-back, centre-back. I'm thinking, well, that's the natural substitution to make, but for some reason he didn't make it. And then Declan could stay where he was, Myles could stay there, and then they could carry on playing. It doesn't disrupt the formation. Yeah, but managers are entitled to make mistakes. Managers make mistakes all the time. It's just how quickly they learn from it and improve it. And then when you've really top-quality players, you hope, obviously, they can cover for you sometimes. It's like players make mistakes all the time. And managers, of course, just have.

1:01:48They're entitled to make that mistake. It would have been interesting, right,

1:01:50Ian Wright:if it played out differently. Yeah, but which it has done the last few years where they've been criticised, but now when they're getting over the line, then you have to flip that and go, well done, you're getting the job done. And it's about being effective and winning football matches. We've said it earlier, if you're going to win the league, it's not going to be pretty. It's not going to be pretty something. You have to roll your sleeves up. They did that again today. Two games to go. Burnley next Monday night. And this is what Arsenal's record looks like at home against Burnley. Lots of green Ws in there that represent the victories.

1:02:25but let me draw your attention to the last three Burnley visits there. Arsenal have won just one of them, Jamie, which suggests this might not be the foregone conclusion, although Burnley are already relegated. They've got a point today that everyone thinks. Oh, it is. I've got no doubt at all they'll beat Burnley comfortably. Not even an issue. I've seen Burnley this year enough to know. I think they put up a bit of a fight today against Aston Villa, but no, they don't go to Arsenal and get anything. It'll be too much for them. Now, the Crystal Palace game, that's a slightly different one. But I don't think for one second they won't beat Arsenal.

1:02:54At Selhurst Park, that is Arsenal's record. Again, most recent at the top. Three victories on the bounce. Yeah, so those games are all fine. But what we're talking about is pressure like these players have never faced before in their life, knowing that they can go and win a title. Roy's done it seven times, Roy? Seven, eight times? Right, he's done it. I've not won it, and I know how it feels to not win it. And I know how pressure can take over you sometimes when you make bad decisions. Certain things that feel so easy don't become that easy. And for the manager right now, he wants something so badly.

1:03:23and he's got his friend but also his nemesis chasing him down they're not going to give you an inch Man City so but it's not with the pressure well this year I think it's the previous season but does it feel different when you get to this stage with two games left you know it's almost yours it does but when you look at your team and your squad and you will look around and sometimes in the last few years you've looked at their team and you're going yeah the team in Odegaard was the main man in Saka there was no backup plan it was always well if these lads don't turn up we're in trouble but no you're looking at Arsene going even if they're not the very best obviously he didn't get over the line saw today, the dream scenario from when they're up against it and one or two injuries and Royce, maybe the manager will say maybe I got that wrong.

1:04:00It's the players coming off the bench. We had it at United. It's not about your starting 11. Never has been. But they didn't have that strength and depth. Their bench today. Did you fancy though, Roy, honestly, when they lost at City, you still fancied Arsenal? I certainly wasn't writing them off. No, I don't write them off. Do you remember a hell of a chance? Of course, because I wasn't. I love watching Man City but it's not the Man City from two or three years ago when they're definitely going to win the last six, seven, eight games or wherever it might be. So I always felt they were a chance and again I go back to it.

1:04:31The one thing I always do I kept looking at Arsene's squad and going there's enough there and all these last two or three years where they've come up short they were all you wouldn't think at the time are actually good good experiences from you have to lose to win. So they will learn from the last three years like we saw today maybe this time last year they might have slipped up but you're like there's enough belief about the group and again the options off the bench It's fantastic. And we shouldn't forget, it's not just the Premier League trophy they are chasing. It's also the Champions League, the European Cup.

1:04:57This could be greatness bestowed upon Arsenal. And these are the only teams in English football history that have ever won the top division and the European Cup in the same season. Liverpool twice, 70s and 80s. Manchester United, of course, did it as part of that incredible treble Roy was part of. And again in 7-8 and City just three years ago. So, we talked before the game about what it would mean if Arsenal were to complete that extraordinary double. You actually said, I think, that they would go down into the greatest team in Arsenal's history. No, he said in football history. I didn't pick you up on that, right?

1:05:38You go more than the Invincibles that went unbeaten in the whole season.

1:05:42Ian Wright:Yeah, simply because this team have got the capability of, if they can win it, they'll be invincible in the Champions League. if they can win that and win the Premier League and that team, the invincible team, as great as they were with their individuals, this team will surpass them with what they've done because they'll have done something that that team hasn't done and they've got to get a lot of credit for that, for what they've been through in the journey to get to here with the manager, obviously playing a very good PSG side and it's going to be a real battle of styles, but they have got themselves there and they deserve to be there.

1:06:12Ian Wright:They deserve to be where they are now because they've gone through it, like I say, for the three years. They've built this squad. They've got the players on the bench to help to come on and finish, like Mikel says, and they've done it up to this point. So if they can finish it off, which I'm praying that they can, of course they have to go down as the best team in Arsenal's. And even a bit of success, what I had in our career at United, and you were looking at, it was always the kind of fringe players came in at the end and got you over the line. Because obviously you can fatigue and kick in, and players playing lots of matches.

1:06:43But it's the lads, like Lewis Skelly's come in for the last few games, lads who haven't been playing recently. Saka's come back in afternoon. We saw Odegaard coming on today. Whereas the last few years, looking at Odegaard, he's the main man. And maybe the pressure took its toll on him. But he came on today. It's a different test for him and he could deal with that. There have been seasons, Roy, where this Arsenal squad have had more points. They got 89 and didn't win. They've scored more goals, almost 20 more in recent seasons. But is it only trophies that define greatness? Without a doubt, I think, to get over the line, yeah.

1:07:14And don't worry, again, We talked about previous totals compared to points. But when you get that league medal, there's no table on the medal. It just says that you're the best team in the league that year and whatever setbacks and disappointments you've had. And Arsenal had a big one a few weeks ago at City. They have bumps back from disappointments. That shows, for all their qualities... They've learnt from their mistakes.

1:07:36Ian Wright:They've learnt from their journey. And there's plenty of characters there. The greatest team in Arsenal's history, potentially, if they can get over the line in these two final competitions. I'm sticking by that one. But no individuals within that that are good enough to win the Football Writers' Play of the Year. That honour went to Bruno Fernandes. That was announced on Friday evening with Declan Rice in second place and Erling Haaland in third. What do our team make of that? We'll put them on the spot next.

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1:08:46Welcome back to the Sky Sports Premier League podcast. Let's get back to the studio for more reaction to today's game. Football writers announced on Friday that Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United was their player of the year with Declan Rice of Arsenal in second and Erling Haaland in third place. 45 % of the votes for Bruno Fernandes. What do you think, Jamie? I don't think there's necessarily been an outstanding... Last year, it was so easy to give Mohamed Salah Ploudi all the goals and assists in the year that he'd had. This year's been a bit more difficult. I think there's been a few candidates, a few players you throw in the mix.

1:09:18I think Antoine Semenyo. What he did at Bournemouth at the start of the year and then what he's done subsequently, he's gone to Manchester City. I think he deserves a mention in that field. Declan Rice will be the one that a lot of people say, why didn't he win it? The only thing against him was he's got four goals, five assists. I think playing in midfield for a team like Arsenal, I think he could maybe get those numbers up. But he's had a great season. I think he started 34 out there, 36 games so far. so that tells you everything about the person he is. But I don't think with Bruno's impact on what he could bring and his goals and assists, I think has been pretty phenomenal.

1:09:48He beat Rice by 28 votes, I think, Ian. And he was the only Manchester United player to get a vote, where Arsenal, I believe, I'm right in saying, that there was four different players that got votes. Raya, Bukayo Saka, who hasn't quite been as influential this season, Gabriel and Declan Rice.

1:10:05Ian Wright:Yeah, I think probably Raya would be... He'd be your pick as the Arsenal player. Not really, because obviously Declan is the most... But I think if you're going to pick someone, then David Raya would have been somebody. Definitely, yeah. You could probably say, even the save he'd done today. But I think Bruno and Bruno's consistency and the impact he has on Manchester United for this being an individual award, I think, yeah, I think they're probably right with Bruno to get in it. Would you prefer the Riders or the PFA one? Don't answer that, because honestly, he's going to tell us he's won both.

1:10:35You know something. You always prefer, for me...

1:10:37Ian Wright:Look at the last one you prefer. The writers won... When the players vote for you, you always feel... What one do you prefer, Roy? What one do you prefer? I'm not too bothered about individual awards. It's more about the team, isn't it? Did you win any of those, though? I won a couple of them, yeah. You won them both, didn't you? His little face, look at him. Go with this around the bike. Which one was sweeter? Probably from your fellow professionals, of course, yeah. But if you're looking at these lads, the players we've mentioned, Bruno and Rice, listen, I'm sure Bruno would swap positions with Rice.

1:11:07He brought a league medal. if they get over the lines and an individual award. But Bruno has had a brilliant season but you are part of a team and it's more important obviously the team are winning players. If you were voting Roy would you be factoring in not just the individual performance Bruno's on the verge of breaking the assist record for example but would you also be considering what the team is achieving? I would do. I'm always drawn towards that. I have to say I think obviously Bruno, fantastic player and the position he's in at United he's got people ahead of him and he's picking up passes fantastic.

1:11:36But I'd still look at the package with Rice and Haaland, these boys who are still competing for trophies. I would edge it that way for some of these players who I think are going to get their hands on trophies because they are part of a team.

1:11:48Ian Wright:Yeah, but then it doesn't seem fair on everybody who has a good season because Sunderland fans will mention someone like Granit Xhaka and what he's done for them this season. He deserves a match. You're right. Absolutely, because if it's based on obviously winning things and people... Yeah, but he's a Sunderland. I'm on a book like Bruno or Man United. Yeah, but what I'm saying is that... You're not going to be competing for the big pros there, are they? No, but then if you are competing, does it mean that it's only if you're competing for the big pros? No, no, of course not, but we just mentioned the three players we were talking about.

1:12:14What I will say is, it's a season, so it's a long season, 38 games. Why don't you just wait till the end of the season before you vote? Because the do is next week. I don't care. Make it start next season. It doesn't make any sense to me. So you're saying you have to wait to see who wins the Premier League before you decide on who's going to get the... Because it makes a difference. Because today, that save that David Rea makes has a big impact on... They are title-winning moments. so why can't we just wait a couple of weeks and at the start of next season you have the awards you know the players can vote at the end of the season I remember there's been plenty of times when players have won the players player of the year has obviously changed players players as voters go until after the season now the awards starting with that is in August we're not finished the season it makes no sense and I think that should change because you're not making it's not a you know you're not making the right of the year I'll feed that back to the football we talk about Rice a lot and Bruno to be fair to him you're on about these players and it's so important for these lads they're available for every game that's so who would be your pick?

1:13:08if I had to pick one

1:13:12I'd probably edge it for Rice just over probably Bruno because of them reasons because I think they're in the mix for winning the big prizes and United aren't and that does always come into my mindset but the bigger prize is still awaiting them potentially this and of course the Champions League as well Arsenal three games from greatness Roy thank you very much Ian It's been a pleasure. Thanks, Dave. I enjoyed watching you. Jamie, thank you very much as well. And the drama is not done this weekend because we've got Spurs involved on Monday night and I'm sure they would have been watching it. Spurs fans threw their hands today as their rivals, in effect, did them a huge favour beating West Ham United.

1:13:56Now, what mentality will Leeds arrive in tomorrow? Now, they are confirmed safe. 6.30 hour build up on Monday Night Football. All the weekend analysis as ever. Jermaine Defoe joining Jamie Carragher. And remember, every single Premier League game is live with us between now and the end of the season. So the big question, are the ribbons staying red? Two games to go, but Arsenal are still very much gunning for glory. Bye from us.

1:14:33Thanks for listening to the Sky Sports Premier League podcast. Don't forget to hit follow so you don't miss an episode.