By
Bukayo Saka admitted his frustration with VAR after Arsenal battled to a dramatic 2-1 win over Newcastle at St James' Park on Sunday, with Gabriel's stoppage-time header sealing all three points.
The controversy came midway through the first half when referee Jarred Gillett awarded Arsenal a penalty for Nick Pope's challenge on Viktor Gyokeres. However, after a lengthy VAR review and pitchside monitor check, the decision was overturned, leaving the Gunners furious.
Saka did not hide his anger afterwards, saying: "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."
Manager Mikel Arteta was equally critical of the decision, arguing the officials should have stuck with the original call. "If it is not a clear and obvious error, VAR should not intervene.
"It is clear that VAR does not have to intervene because it is a penalty," said the Spaniard.
Despite his frustration, Arteta praised his team's performance and character: "The way we played, competed, and the chances we created, we deserved to win. We did it in a dramatic way but we fully earned it. You have to come to this place and find a way to win, and we did exactly that."
He also acknowledged the role of Newcastle goalkeeper Nick Pope, who made several crucial saves. "Pope was exceptional. Fair play to him, but we believed until the end and got our reward," Arteta added.
Gabriel's late header secured the points after earlier goals from Mikel Merino and the Brazilian himself. The result lifted Arsenal into the Premier League's top three, continuing their strong start to the season.
Arsenal are next in action on Saturday, 4 October, when they host West Ham at the Emirates.
