Arsenal moved a major step closer to ending their 22-year wait for a Premier League title after Leandro Trossard goal late on secured a tense 1-0 victory over West Ham United at the London Stadium.

Arsenal survived a furious finish to claim three crucial points that could ultimately define the title race. The result leaves Mikel Arteta’s side five points clear of Manchester City, although City still hold a game in hand.

For West Ham United, however, the defeat deepens relegation fears, with the Hammers remaining in the drop zone heading into the final stretch of the campaign.

Leandro Trossard Delivers Decisive Moment for Arsenal

For long periods, Arsenal looked frustrated. Despite dominating possession early on, the visitors struggled to break down a determined West Ham side fighting desperately for survival. The breakthrough finally arrived in the 83rd minute when Martin Odegaard slipped a pass into Leandro Trossard inside the penalty area.

Leandro Trossard’s effort took a significant deflection off Tomas Soucek before looping past the helpless goalkeeper and into the net.

It was a moment of relief as much as celebration for Arsenal, who had controlled large phases of the match but repeatedly failed to turn dominance into goals.

Leandro Trossard had already come close in the first half, striking the woodwork twice in quick succession as Arsenal pushed aggressively for an opener.

David Raya Saves Keep Arsenal Alive

While Trossard secured the headlines with the winning goal, Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya played an equally important role in preserving the victory.

West Ham created very few clear opportunities, but the chances they did carve out were dangerous.

Raya first produced an excellent save to deny Taty Castellanos’ powerful header before delivering an even more important stop late in the second half.

Mateus Fernandes found himself completely unmarked inside the box and looked certain to score from close range, only for Raya to react brilliantly and keep Arsenal level.

That save proved decisive moments later when Leandro Trossard found the winner.

VAR Drama Denies West Ham Late Equaliser

The biggest controversy arrived deep into stoppage time. West Ham believed they had rescued a dramatic point when Callum Wilson bundled the ball into the net following a corner.

The London Stadium erupted, and for a brief moment it appeared Arsenal’s title hopes had suffered a painful setback.

However, after a lengthy VAR review, the goal was ruled out for a foul on David Raya during the build-up.

The decision sparked fury among West Ham supporters, who felt the contact was minimal. Arsenal players, meanwhile, celebrated almost as wildly as they did for Trossard’s goal.

The overturned equaliser may prove to be one of the defining moments of the Premier League season.

Arsenal Survive Tactical Disruption as Leandro Trossard Shines

Arsenal began the game with authority and looked in complete control during the opening stages.

However, the match shifted after Ben White was forced off with a knee injury. In a surprising tactical move, Mikel Arteta shifted Declan Rice to right-back.

The adjustment disrupted Arsenal’s rhythm.

Without Rice controlling midfield, West Ham gradually grew into the contest and began finding spaces in transition. Arsenal’s attacking flow slowed significantly, allowing the hosts to gain confidence.

Recognising the issue, Arteta restored Rice to midfield at half-time, helping Arsenal regain greater control after the break.

Even so, this was far from a comfortable performance. Arsenal had to fight for every moment.

Arsenal Close In on Premier League Title

The significance of this victory extends far beyond the three points.

Arsenal are now within touching distance of their first Premier League title since the famous “Invincibles” season under Arsene Wenger in 2004.

After already reaching the UEFA Champions League final earlier in the week, confidence inside the squad continues to grow.

Arteta’s side have shown resilience throughout the campaign, balancing attacking quality with defensive discipline. Even when performances have not been perfect, they have consistently found ways to win.

That ability could ultimately separate them from Manchester City in the closing weeks.

The atmosphere among Arsenal supporters after the final whistle reflected the growing belief that this could finally be their year.

West Ham Relegation Battle Intensifies

For West Ham United, the defeat carries massive consequences. The Hammers remain in the relegation zone and now face enormous pressure heading into their remaining fixtures. With Tottenham Hotspur directly above them, every dropped point becomes increasingly damaging.

There were positives in the performance. After a slow start, West Ham competed aggressively and created enough opportunities to take something from the game. Players like Mateus Fernandes and Crysencio Summerville brought energy, while the crowd responded passionately as the tension increased.

But at this stage of the season, performances alone are not enough.

West Ham’s inability to convert key chances and the late VAR disappointment leave them facing a genuine battle to avoid relegation.

Upcoming matches against Newcastle United and Leeds United could now determine the club’s Premier League future.

What This Means for the Title Race

Arsenal’s victory increases the pressure on Manchester City, who must now respond while carrying the burden of chasing rather than leading.

Although City still have a game in hand, Arsenal’s ability to grind out difficult wins continues to strengthen their position.

Momentum also appears to be firmly on Arsenal’s side following Leandro Trossard’s lone goal.

Reaching the Champions League final and continuing to collect league victories has created a belief around the club that has not existed for years.

However, the dramatic nature of this win also highlighted how thin the margins remain.

One late goal, one VAR decision, or one missed chance could still change everything before the season ends.

West Ham 0-1 Arsenal

Arsenal’s 1-0 victory over West Ham United may not have been their most dominant performance of the season, but it could become one of their most important.

Leandro Trossard’s late winner, combined with David Raya’s crucial saves and a dramatic VAR intervention, delivered a result that keeps Arsenal firmly in control of the Premier League title race.

For West Ham, the defeat leaves them staring at the possibility of relegation despite a spirited display.

As the season enters its decisive final weeks, Arsenal are now closer than ever to ending their long wait for Premier League glory.