Mikel Arteta unleashed a furious tirade against Premier League officials after Arsenal's unbeaten start to the season crashed to a controversial halt at St James' Park, branding the decision to allow Anthony Gordon's winner "an absolute disgrace".
Triple VAR Check Sparks Fury
The match-winning goal underwent an agonising four-minute VAR review that examined three separate potential infringements, leaving the football world divided and the Gunners boss incandescent with rage.
The three critical checks included:
- Whether the ball had gone out of play in the build-up
- A potential foul by Joelinton on Gabriel Magalhães
- A possible offside against Gordon himself
Despite the extensive review, referee Stuart Attwell ultimately pointed to the centre circle, sending the Geordie faithful into raptures while leaving Arsenal players and staff in disbelief.
Arteta's Explosive Reaction
The Spanish manager didn't hold back in his post-match assessment, delivering one of the most scathing critiques of Premier League officiating in recent memory.
"It's an absolute disgrace that this goal was allowed," Arteta fumed. "We feel embarrassed after having to explain the result. The level of criticism this league receives is well deserved after today's display."
Arteta's fury echoed through the corridors of St James' Park, with the Gunners boss clearly believing his side had been robbed of at least a point in the North East.
Newcastle's Perspective
While Arsenal seethed, Newcastle manager Eddie Howe offered a more measured response, acknowledging the controversy while defending the eventual outcome.
"I understand Arsenal's frustration," Howe conceded. "From my perspective, I saw the ball go out of play but the technology we have isn't conclusive. These moments define games and today they went in our favour."
The victory propels Newcastle into the upper echelons of the Premier League table, while dealing a significant blow to Arsenal's title aspirations in what promises to be another tightly contested campaign.
VAR Under Microscope Again
This latest controversy throws the Premier League's use of technology back into the spotlight, raising familiar questions about consistency, clarity, and the fundamental purpose of video assistance in the beautiful game.
As the fallout continues, one thing remains certain: the debate around VAR's role in football shows no signs of abating, with this dramatic encounter at St James' Park providing the latest chapter in an ongoing saga.
