Mikel Arteta and Bukayo Saka both make same point after Arsenal VAR controversy

Mikel Arteta vented his frustrations even after Arsenal recorded a late win over Newcastle United at St James’ Park to close the gap to Liverpool in the Premier League

Mikel Arteta has criticised VAR following Arsenal’s dramatic win over Newcastle. The Gunners came away with three points but the Spaniard was left frustrated after Viktor Gyokeres’ penalty was overturned in the first half.

Nick Pope brought down Gyokeres in the area but was judged to have claimed a touch on the ball before colliding with the Sweden international. On-field referee Jarred Gillett originally awarded a penalty before going back on his decision following VAR’s intervention.

Arteta was sparked into fury on the sidelines, believing the time taken to make the decision meant it was not justified. The Premier League Match Centre attempted to explain the process.

“After VAR review, the referee overturned the original decision of a penalty to Arsenal. Referee announcement: ‘After review, the Newcastle goalkeeper plays the ball and there is no foul. The final decision is drop ball.'”

“There are a few things we can speak about, for example the penalty,” said Arteta at full time. “For me if we have VAR it is for a clear and obvious error and the fact that it took the ref that long to decide shows it is not a clear and obvious error.

“It is things like this that always go against us but today we got what we deserved and that’s why we are all so happy. It doesn’t matter now, does it?”

Bukayo Saka echoed his head coach’s thoughts.

“The penalty, you know, for me, like if we have VAR for clear and obvious errors, and the fact that it took the ref that long to decide.

“So it’s not a clear and obvious error, but it’s things like this, these little things that always go against us. But I think today, we got what we deserved for sure. I was speechless, man. But doesn’t matter now we won.”

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