Arteta Criticizes VAR After Arsenal’s Late Win at Newcastle

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said “for me it was a penalty” after a controversial VAR decision cast a shadow over his team’s last-gasp 2-1 victory over Newcastle United at St James’ Park.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Arsenal will feel aggrieved once more. Early in the first half, Newcastle goalkeeper Nick Pope clattered into Viktor Gyökeres in the box. Referee Jarred Gillett awarded a penalty – but after a lengthy VAR review, changed his mind. Pope had got a touch on the ball, but there was contact with the striker, too. Arsenal were furious.

The grievances did not stop there. Arteta and his players were fuming as Newcastle appeared to get away with some challenges that merited yellow cards, as Arsenal defenders Ben White, Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba all did get booked. Eventually, Arsenal found a breakthrough thanks to substitute Mikel Merino, with Gabriel heading a stoppage-time winner after Nick Woltemade, who was signed for a club-record fee of €85 million, had given Newcastle the lead in the first half, a signing aimed at enhancing Newcastle’s attacking options.

WHAT ARTETA SAID

Arteta certainly did not hide his feelings. He told the BBC: “I do [feel VAR rules should be clarified]. I am unfortunate to be part of the Premier League meetings and when we are told it is going to be clear and obvious [for VAR], it is within the same guidelines [it’s hard to respect that]. I scored the words, used by the head of the VAR department. I ask you, ‘Was it a penalty yes or no?’. For me it was a penalty. For most of us it was a penalty. Process-wise, it was clear and obvious [in their opinion] that they were going to change this action. As soon as that whistle goes to start the game, you never know so you can only focus on what you can do with that time.”

Bukayo Saka added: “The contact is the contact. We have been in meetings where they have told us it is clear and obvious. But it is what it is. We know that when we come here, [it is going to be] very difficult. We have heard about the other results here this season.”

WHAT NEXT?

This match perfectly encapsulated Arsenal’s stirring penalty problems, but the result means they are still well in the title race, just two points behind Liverpool at the top of the table. Currently, Arsenal sit second in the Premier League table with 13 points, only two behind leaders Liverpool, and Arteta, pragmatic as ever, will be aware of what beating Newcastle from behind means.

There is no time to dwell, either, with the Gunners taking on Olympiacos next in the Champions League. For Newcastle, they are currently 15th in the Premier League standings and struggling to make up ground on the top four, but remain in a decent place for further European qualification.