The Gunners boss insisted the video official overstepped by overturning a first-half penalty, but late goals sealed a vital victory in the title race.
A dramatic late turnaround at a raucous St. James’ Park saw Arsenal snatch a crucial 2-1 victory over Newcastle United, but the win was marred by a major VAR controversy that left manager Mikel Arteta fuming.
The Gunners were initially awarded a penalty in the 14th minute when Newcastle goalkeeper Nick Pope collided with striker Viktor Gyokeres. However, after a lengthy review, referee Jarred Gillett was advised to overturn his decision by the video assistant, a move Arteta labeled as incorrect.
Replays suggested Pope got a touch on the ball, but Arteta argued this did not meet the high threshold for intervention. “If it is not a clear and obvious error, VAR should not intervene,” a frustrated Arteta told Sky Sports after the match. “It is clear that VAR does not have to intervene because it is a penalty.”
Despite the frustration, his team showed resilience. After Nick Woltemade’s header gave Newcastle a 1-0 lead at halftime, the Gunners fought back with second-half goals from Mikel Merino and Gabriel to claim all three points.
The victory, combined with Liverpool’s surprise defeat a day earlier, propelled Arsenal into second place, now just two points off the top of the table.
Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka echoed his manager’s sentiments, suggesting his club often seems on the wrong end of tight calls. “The fact that it took the ref that long to decide shows it is not a clear and obvious error,” Saka said. “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.”
For Newcastle, the defeat adds to a difficult start to their campaign. The Magpies have managed just six points from their first six games and sit in 15th place. They also had a potential handball penalty appeal against Arsenal’s Gabriel waved away in the second half.
Manager Eddie Howe took a more philosophical view of the officiating. “I haven’t seen it again, so I have to accept the decision,” Howe stated. “You have to look at yourselves first, otherwise you will not grow. I thought we tried, but I don’t think we were at our best today. Arsenal played very well.”
The result leaves Arsenal riding a wave of momentum, while Newcastle are left to regroup ahead of their midweek Champions League fixture.
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