Premier League VAR review: Wrongly awarded goal costs Man United

Match Overview

West Ham United secured a controversial 2-1 victory over Manchester United at the London Stadium, sealed by a 92nd-minute Jarrod Bowen penalty. The decisive moment occurred after a lengthy VAR intervention overturned referee David Coote’s original on-field decision, ruling that Matthijs de Ligt had fouled Danny Ings. Chief Refereeing Officer Howard Webb later confirmed that VAR incorrectly intervened, meaning the wrongly awarded penalty directly cost Manchester United a crucial point.

Key Stats & Facts

• Scoreline: West Ham 2-1 Manchester United
• Goals: Crysencio Summerville (74’), Casemiro (81’), Jarrod Bowen (92’ pen)
• Expected Goals (xG): West Ham 1.84 - 2.12 Manchester United
• Shots (On Target): West Ham 11 (3) - 18 (5) Manchester United
• Big Chances Missed: Manchester United missed 4 big chances, including a vacant-net miss by Diogo Dalot in the first half.
• Possession: West Ham 43% - 57% Manchester United
• Yellow Cards: West Ham 1 - 4 Manchester United

Player Spotlight

Jarrod Bowen proved to be the match-winner for West Ham, showing immense composure under pressure to convert the 92nd-minute penalty past André Onana. Bowen completed 25 of his 31 attempted passes, created two key chances, and registered a 100% success rate from his singular shot on target. On the opposing side, Casemiro was Manchester United’s standout performer, winning six duels, recording three tackles, and scoring the temporary equaliser in the 81st minute.

Standings Impact

The defeat proved catastrophic for Manchester United, leaving them in 14th place in the Premier League table with just 11 points from nine matches. Less than 24 hours after the final whistle, the club officially dismissed manager Erik ten Hag. Meanwhile, West Ham bypassed United to climb into 13th place, level on 11 points but ahead on goal difference.