Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta strongly criticized VAR after his team’s 1-0 loss to Newcastle in the Premier League on Saturday. Anthony Gordon scored a contentious winning goal in the second half, bringing an end to the Gunners’ undefeated start to the season at St James’ Park.
The goal underwent a four-minute VAR review, during which officials determined that the ball hadn’t crossed the line, Joelinton hadn’t committed a foul against Gabriel Magalhaes, and Gordon wasn’t in an offside position.
Arteta expressed his frustration with the decision after the match, saying, “I’ve commended my players for their performance and competitiveness in this stadium against this opponent. The result shouldn’t be what it is; there are numerous reasons for that. If there was a team that appeared to be seeking victory today, it was Arsenal.”
“What happened, and how this goal was allowed in the Premier League, is embarrassing for a league that claims to be the best in the world. I’ve spent 20 years in this country, and now I feel ashamed. It’s a disgrace, and there’s too much at stake here.”
“The outcome falls far short of the standard the Premier League should uphold and the level of competition it should maintain. It’s simply not good enough. I’m embarrassed to be associated with this,” Arteta told BBC MOTD.