Tomas Soucek’s controversial opener was IN as new footage confirms the ball was actually on the line for Jarrod Bowen’s cross despite VAR stating they couldn’t conclusively rule on it during West Ham’s win over Arsenal

It has been confirmed that the ball was IN for Tomas Soucek’s controversial opener against Arsenal on Thursday afternoon. 

West Ham secured a 2-0 win over the Gunner’s thanks to Soucek’s goal and Konstantinos Mavropanos’ header in the second half. 

However, Soucek’s goal was a controversial one as VAR were unable to determine whether the ball had gone out before Jarrod Bowen’s cross.

It was not the first time the Gunner had taken issue with VAR as Anthony Gordon’s goal was allowed to stand under similar circumstances during Arsenal’s 1-0 loss last month. 

However, Richard Keys and Andy Gray have confirmed that ball was actually in for Soucek’s goal, claiming there was ‘conclusive’ evidence after analysing the footage live on BeIN Sports. 

Many fans felt that the ball had gone out before Jarrod Bowen crossed for the opener (above)

Speaking about the incident, Gray said: ‘They were able to take this bit of action and make the ball into a complete circle. You could see some of the ball so they decided to make the ball exactly the size it should be and it proved conclusively that [the ball was in]’.

Gray went on to defend VAR, claiming it was a difficult call to make as the ball was in the air. He said: ‘I think the one at Newcastle was easier to judge as the ball was on the ground. The line was actually beside the football. Whereas that one, the ball is in the air. That’s what makes it more difficult to judge.’

Gray finished by stating there was no way Bowen thought the ball was actually in when he played the cross. The former footballer said: ‘When you see how little of the ball is actually on the line, it would surprise me at all if Bowen thought the ball was out. He wouldn’t know there was a tiny, tiny bit of the ball on the line.’ 

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was not happy with VAR and vented his frustrations on the night. He said: ‘If the technology we have at the moment is not good enough to give us that answer (of whether the ball went out), what we have to do is, without that, win the game. 

‘I haven’t seen it. They’re saying it’s not conclusive. It’s a shame that with the technology we have, it’s not that clear so we can say whether it’s out or in. It’s done. It’s gone. There’s nothing we can do about it now.’

Arsenal, who registered 30 shots to West Ham’s six, have now picked up just four points in their last four league matches.