Mikel Arteta Slams Embarrassing VAR Decision In Defeat At Newcastle

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta criticized the VAR decision that contributed to his team’s defeat at Newcastle, maintaining that there were multiple issues with the outcome.

“I have praised my players for the way they played and competed in this stadium against this team. The result should not be what it is — there are many reasons for that,” Arteta stated.

One of the contentious incidents leading to Newcastle’s 1-0 victory was the legality of Aaron Gordon‘s 64th-minute goal. Arsenal players and management expressed their concerns over the decision.

He noted the high stakes involved in Premier League matches and his personal frustration, considering his two decades in the country.

“If there was a team looking to win the game today it was Arsenal. Embarrassing what happened — how this goal stands, in the Premier League — this league we say is the best in the world.

“I’ve been 20 years in this country and now I feel ashamed. It’s a disgrace and there’s too much at stake here. We are trying to do incredible things and be at the highest level each week.

“When we’re not good enough I hold my hands up and take responsibility.

“The outcome is nowhere near the level this league needs to have and the way this league is getting competed in. It’s not good enough. I feel embarrassed to be part of this.”

Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya also expressed his frustration with the VAR decision. He believed that the ball had gone out of play and raised concerns about a potential foul on Gabriel Magalhaes by Joelinton.

“We are all frustrated. My point of view is I saw the ball going out of play. I think it is a foul on Gabriel, he [Joelinton] pushes him on the back and the decision was it wasn’t a foul.

“I don’t think it was supposed to go that way. And in my opinion, it was offside. We are very, very disappointed.”

The defeat ended Arsenal’s unbeaten run in the league.