Arsenal’s recent Premier League loss to Newcastle has sparked controversy, particularly due to a contentious VAR decision. An Arsenal insider has expressed dismay over Stan Kroenke’s perceived leniency towards VAR decisions that go against the team. This insider is urging Kroenke to take drastic actions to rectify the situation, especially after back-to-back defeats.
In the match against Newcastle, Arsenal suffered their first Premier League defeat of the season, losing 1-0. The turning point in the game was a highly controversial goal scored by Anthony Gordon in the 64th minute. This goal raised eyebrows as the ball seemed to have crossed the end line in the build-up, and there was also a potential foul on Arsenal’s Gabriel, along with suspicions of offside.
However, despite these apparent infractions, VAR reviewed the footage but deemed it inconclusive for any of the decisions to favor Arsenal. The referee’s on-field decision stood, leaving Arsenal and their manager, Mikel Arteta, frustrated and disappointed.
Mikel Arteta did not hold back in his post-match comments, criticizing the quality of officiating. He labeled the decision as a ‘disgrace,’ expressing his frustration with how the match was handled by the officials and VAR. Arteta’s frustration was shared by many Arsenal fans and even some neutrals who questioned the consistency of VAR decisions in the Premier League.
However, Arteta’s criticism received backlash on social media. Fans of other clubs accused him of hypocrisy, referring to his earlier stance on VAR decisions. In December, Arteta had shown sympathy towards officials after Luis Diaz’s disallowed goal for Liverpool against Spurs, stating that mistakes happen, and officials are trying to make the best decisions.
The criticism of Arteta’s comments extended beyond social media, with former footballers Michael Owen and Jamie Carragher also weighing in. Jamie Carragher defended the officials, stating that they had no choice but to stick with the on-field decision when the evidence was inconclusive. This viewpoint highlighted the ongoing debate and frustration surrounding VAR’s implementation in the Premier League.
In light of these recent events and the frustration within the Arsenal camp, the Arsenal insider is urging Stan Kroenke, the club’s owner, to take drastic action. It is clear that Arsenal’s back-to-back defeats have raised concerns, and the perceived injustices involving VAR decisions have only intensified the calls for action.
Arsenal’s fans and stakeholders hope for a resolution to these issues, as they seek a fair and consistent application of VAR in the Premier League. They believe that taking such action is essential for the club’s success and for maintaining the integrity of the league.
