Arsenal’s Arteta: VAR on Newcastle goal an ‘absolute disgrace’

Mikel Arteta says Anthony Gordon’s winning goal in Newcastle United’s 1-0 win over Arsenal was an “absolute disgrace” and “embarrassing” for the Premier League.

Gordon’s 64th-minute goal on Saturday was awarded by referee Stuart Attwell after three separate VAR checks to assess whether the ball had gone out of play, whether Joelinton had committed a foul by pushing Gunners defender Gabriel and whether Gordon was off-side.

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After a long wait for reviews to be completed by VAR Andy Madley, Gordon’s goal was awarded and Newcastle held on to secure victory and condemn Arsenal to their first Premier League defeat of the season.

Speaking at a post-match press conference, Arsenal manager Arteta was incandescent with fury at the decision.

“It’s incredible that we have to talk about the result,” Arteta said. “We need to talk about how this goal holds up. I feel embarrassed.

“It’s an absolute shame that this goal was allowed. It’s not a goal – for many reasons.

“For a goal to be allowed, there are certain things before that, there are things that are not allowed in football, here in China, Japan or Portugal.”

The Premier League’s use of VAR has been widely criticized following a series of controversial incidents this season.

Arteta said Newcastle’s goal decision-making process was another example of the damage done to the Premier League by his interpretation of VAR.

“There’s so much at stake, it’s so difficult to compete at this level,” Arteta said. “It’s a shame. I’ve been in this country for over 20 years and it’s nowhere near the level of the best league in the world.

“I don’t care what they [Premier League] say. It’s too late.

“I have to stay here and explain. We lost three points. There’s too much at stake, it’s embarrassing.”

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe, while saying he thought it was a good goal, admitted the process behind the decision was unclear.

“We’re in limbo,” Howe said. “We are standing at the side of the pitch and see VAR on the screen but without images.

“I didn’t see anything other than what I saw at that moment. It seemed like a good goal.”