Arsenal boss Arteta urges patience with VAR: ‘It needs time’،
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has urged football to be patient with VAR and said he expects the technology to improve with time and improvements.
The Spaniard has criticized VAR in the past and was charged last month by the Football Association for his insulting remarks towards match officials following his side’s defeat to Newcastle United.
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Arteta had branded the decision to allow Anthony Gordon’s goal an “absolute disgrace” and said it was “embarrassing” for the Premier League.
However, the Arsenal boss had a more measured response when speaking about VAR ahead of his side’s game against Wolves on Saturday.
“I think we can improve. We’re trying. All these things that are happening are to make it better. [VAR]” Arteta said in a press conference on Friday.
“It’s a big change. It takes time. If we use it the right way and we’re humble and try to be constructive, I think it will be good.”
Wolves boss Gary O’Neil has repeatedly said this season that he feels shortchanged by VAR – his side have been on the losing end of three VAR decisions this season which the team’s independent Key Match Incidents Committee Premier League admitted to being mistakes.
VAR was again a key talking point during Wolves’ latest outing, a 3-2 defeat at Fulham, although the Premier League’s independent panel upheld the VAR decisions made at Craven Cottage on Monday.
Arteta said he had sympathy for O’Neil.
“I have sympathy for all my colleagues because I know how beautiful and difficult this job is. These moments in front of the camera are difficult. We are here to improve the game and the clubs,” he said. declared.
Arsenal go into the Wolves game on a high after a resounding 6-0 win over Lens on Wednesday to secure top spot in their Champions League group.
Arteta praised the impact of Kai Havertz, who followed his winner against Brentford last weekend that took Arsenal top of the Premier League, with his second goal in successive matches on Wednesday.
“He’s been very positive. He’s had a big influence in a good way. Of course, his confidence is growing. When you feel loved and respected, things are a lot easier. I think that’s what he felt in recent days,” Arteta said.
“[We] support him like any other player, then give him the tools and time to excel in his skills. He was doing a lot of things right, he continues to do so and he was very effective.”
