Mikel Arteta Slams PGMOL After Controversial VAR Decision in Arsenal’s Win Over Newcastle
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has hit out at PGMOL following his side’s dramatic 2-1 victory over Newcastle United, insisting that the decision to overturn a first-half penalty was completely wrong.
The incident came when Nick Pope clattered into Viktor Gyökeres inside the box. Referee Jarred Gillett immediately pointed to the spot, with replays showing clear contact regardless of whether Pope got a slight touch on the ball.
But after a lengthy VAR check led by Darren England, Gillett was advised to review the challenge. To the frustration of the Arsenal players and staff, he reversed his own call, sparking outrage on the touchline and fury among traveling supporters.
Speaking to Sky Sports after the match, Arteta didn’t hold back:
“For me, it’s very clear—VAR shouldn’t intervene. That’s a penalty.”
The Arsenal boss also highlighted that clubs have been told repeatedly that VAR should only step in for a “clear and obvious” error. In this case, he argued, PGMOL ignored their own rules.
Even Bukayo Saka, who rarely comments on refereeing, voiced his anger:
“It’s decisions like this that always seem to go against us. If it takes that long to overturn, then it’s not a clear and obvious error.”
Controversy Beyond the Penalty Call
The overturned penalty wasn’t the only contentious moment of the game. Arsenal players were left frustrated as Saka was repeatedly fouled by Joelinton and others without a single booking, while Riccardo Calafiori was shown yellow for a much softer obstruction.
Viktor Gyökeres also endured rough treatment throughout, at one point being dragged down by his face without earning a free kick.
Arsenal’s Resilient Response
Despite the officiating drama, Arsenal’s quality eventually shone through. Substitute Mikel Merino equalised with a looping header from Declan Rice’s cross, before Gabriel Magalhães struck in stoppage time, converting from a brilliant Martin Ødegaard delivery to secure all three points.
The win, earned in one of the Premier League’s most hostile grounds, felt like more than just three points. It was a statement victory in Arsenal’s pursuit of the title—proving their resilience in the face of adversity both on and off the pitch.