In a post-match news conference, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta expressed his anger and disbelief at Anthony Gordon’s winning goal for Newcastle United in their recent 1-0 victory against Arsenal. Arteta called the decision an “absolute disgrace” and claimed that the Premier League’s use of VAR was “embarrassing” for the league.
Gordon’s goal, scored in the 64th minute of the match, went through a lengthy process of three separate VAR checks. Referee Stuart Attwell had to determine if the ball had gone out of play, if Joelinton had committed a foul by pushing Arsenal defender Gabriel, and whether Gordon was offside. After a significant delay, the goal was given, resulting in Newcastle’s victory and Arsenal’s first Premier League defeat of the season.
Arteta’s frustration goes beyond this individual decision, as he believes it highlights broader flaws in the Premier League’s implementation of VAR. According to him, the decision process for Newcastle’s goal is another example of how the league is being damaged by its interpretation of VAR. The system has faced widespread criticism throughout the season due to several controversial incidents.
The Arsenal manager’s scathing comments do not stop at the VAR decision. Arteta states that his experience in the Premier League, spanning over 20 years, has shown him that the league does not live up to its reputation as the best in the world. He claims that there are certain aspects of the game that are not allowed in football, regardless of location, and the decision to award Gordon’s goal does not meet those standards.
Arteta emphasizes the high stakes involved in competing at the top level and suggests that the Premier League’s reputation is at risk due to its flawed VAR system. He argues that losing three points due to a controversial decision is unacceptable, and calls the situation “embarrassing.” In his view, the Premier League needs to address these issues urgently to maintain its status as one of the best leagues in the world.
Even Eddie Howe, the manager of Newcastle United, admitted that the process behind the VAR decision was unclear. He stated that he, like everyone else present, was left in the dark as there were no pictures shown on the screen to provide a clear view of the incident. This lack of transparency only adds to the frustrations and criticisms surrounding VAR in the Premier League.
Mikel Arteta’s scathing critique of the VAR decision to award Newcastle United’s winning goal highlights the ongoing issues with the Premier League’s implementation of the system. The call for urgent improvements from Arteta raises concerns about the league’s reputation and the high stakes involved in modern football. With controversies continuing to surround VAR, the Premier League must take steps to address these flaws and restore trust in the system. Otherwise, its reputation as the best league in the world may suffer irreparable damage.
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