Bukayo Saka had some harsh words for VAR after Arsenal had a penalty decision overturned in the first half, following a challenge by Nick Pope on Viktor Gyokeres. Referee Jarred Gillett had initially pointed to the spot but was recommended to go to the screen by VAR and changed his mind. The Gunners went on to win the match 2-1 thanks to a last-gasp Gabriel header but Saka expressed his disappointment at the decision to reverse the first-half penalty.
Saka criticises VAR despite Arsenal win
Saka claimed in his post-match interview that such decisions “always go against” Arsenal, questioning whether the bar for a “clear and obvious error” was met in the call to overturn the penalty.
Replays showed that Pope had in fact got a small touch on the ball before taking down Gyokeres, while room was left for interpretation over whether the Swedish striker had a clear chance at goal despite this. The final decision was no penalty, leaving Arsenal incensed as they were denied the opportunity to take the lead – before Newcastle United soon scored through Nick Woltemade at the other end.
The Gunners and Saka, who returned the starting line-up after injury, would go on to win the win in stoppage time as it took a late comeback involving some inspired substitutions to secure victory.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportGunners on the up – but will rue VAR penalty call
Arsenal went up to second in the table with the victory, moving to just two points behind Liverpool following the Reds’ defeat to Crystal Palace on Saturday. But it could have been a far simpler afternoon had the Gunners been awarded their first-half penalty shout.
As Saka outlined, the key VAR terminology of “clear and obvious” has become increasingly clouded in recent seasons. What was brought in as a medium to prevent major errors has, at times, been criticised as a new way to re-referee the game from Stockley Park.
Whether Pope’s touch on the ball negates his foul on Gyokeres is one thing. Whether it was obvious enough a decision to overturn the call is another, as Saka states. The fact that Arsenal won the game renders the decision meaningless in the grand scheme of things, but Gunners fans will have some choice words for the decision regardless.
Saka speaks on VAR and Arsenal's win
Saka said: "There are a few things we can speak about, for example the penalty. For me if we have VAR, it is for a clear and obvious error and the fact that it took the ref that long to decide shows it is not a clear and obvious error. It is things like this that always go against us, but today we got what we deserved and that's why we are all so happy. It doesn't matter now, does it?"
Getty Images SportArsenal target title charge as VAR continues to divide opinion
Arsenal will approach a trio of London derbies against West Ham United, Fulham and Crystal Palace with a spring in their step following another victory in a tough away game at St James’ Park, where they have often fallen short in recent years.
With Champions League games against Olympiacos and Atletico Madrid also on the horizon, October could ultimately be a month which begins to shape Arsenal’s season. A succession of victories could suggest that another title challenge could be on the way under Mikel Arteta.
This weekend was no doubt a tough test, as the Gunners could have been an almost-unassailable eight points behind Liverpool had results gone against them. As it is, late goals across both fixtures – including a big goal by former Gunner Eddie Nketiah- have meant that gap is just two. This could ultimately be a significant weekend in Arsenal’s season.
The VAR debate will rage on, though, with multiple contentious decisions taking place this weekend, including the decision not to send off Nathan Collins at Brentford against Manchester United.
It is unlikely that we will ever reach a place where everyone is happy with every decision – but some more uniformed guidance over what is clear and obvious could make a major impact and avoid points of contention such as this. But as the Gunners take their well-earned three points home from the North East, Saka and co. will let it go on this occasion.
