Bukayo Saka has been left ‘speechless’ over VAR and says decisions ‘always go against’ Arsenal after the 2-1 victory over Newcastle United.
The Magpies were on course for a win but late goals from Mikel Merino and Gabriel Magalhaes saw Arsenal complete a dramatic comeback.
Before Nick Woltemade opened the scoring on 35 minutes, Arsenal had been awarded a penalty for Nick Pope appearing to foul Viktor Gyokeres.
The decision was eventually overturned, though, after VAR intervened with referee Jarred Gillett going to the monitor and deciding that the Newcastle goalkeeper touched the ball before he wiped out Gyokeres inside the box.
Speaking to Sky Sports after the match, Arsenal superstar Saka said: ‘The penalty, you know, for me, like if we have VAR for clear and obvious errors, and the fact that it took the ref that long to decide…
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‘So it’s not a clear and obvious error, but it’s things like this, these little things that always go against us.
‘But I think today, we got what we deserved for sure. I was speechless, man. But doesn’t matter now we won.’
Metro at the Match: Newcastle 1-2 Arsenal
Metro at the Match returns to bring you all the analysis from the biggest games of the season.
Here are our team’s key takeaways from Arsenal’s dramatic win at St James’ Park:
Super subs deliver again
Subs, replacements, finishers – call them what you want – but one thing is clear: Arsenal’s squad depth will be a vital tool in their bid to win the title this year. Gabriel Martinelli last week and Mikel Merino this around, Arteta’s second-half changes continue to get his side goals when they need them most. Ben Fleming, sports reporter
Was it a penalty?
Viktor Gyokeres was felled by Nick Pope and a penalty was given, but the Newcastle goalkeeper was saved by VAR as he got a slight touch on the ball. The decision remained debatable. Clear and obvious error? Surely not. Phil Haigh, sports reporter
Saliba benching raises eyebrows
Mikel Arteta’s team selection is back under the microscope after the benching of William Saliba on Sunday, particularly given the struggles of his replacement Cristhian Mosquera, who was hauled off at the break. Arteta said Saliba’s fitness still has to be managed – so why was he given the full 90 minutes against Port Vale in midweek? Ben Fleming, sports reporter
Woltemade a new hero but Magpies still look blunt
Newcastle have struggled for goals so far this season and they weren’t exactly free-flowing in attack on Sunday. Nick Woltemade has made a decent start and the giant German is a threat in the air, but Magpies fans will be relishing the return to fitness of Yoane Wissa to spark some attacking verve. Phil Haigh, sports reporter
Exciting Eze continues to give Arteta a dilemma
Finally deployed in a central attacking position, Eberechi Eze was at least one bright spot for the Gunners. Martin Odegaard has made that position his own in recent years, but Arteta may soon be forced to consider if his captain is the best man for the job in the coveted No10 role. Ben Fleming, sports reporter
Thiaw looks a great addition
In a transfer window awash with sagas, Malick Thiaw arriving at Newcastle from AC Milan went under the radar. The defender was fantastic here, dealing with Gyokeres impressively. Physically imposing and technically good on the ball. Phil Haigh, sports reporter
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, meanwhile, added: ‘Well, I watched it back and watched it live as well.
‘And if it’s not a clear and obvious error, VAR should not intervene.
‘We’ve been told this for a few years, this style of decision again, and for me, it’s very clear that it doesn’t have to intervene because it’s a penalty.’
Saka: There’s nothing better than a late winner!
Speaking more generally about Arsenal’s victory and Gabriel’s 96th-minute winner, Saka said: ‘It’s unbelievable.
‘Late winners – there’s nothing better in football. So speechless. I’m so happy.
‘When you’re on the bench and you can’t control and affect the game, but when you have guys like this guy (Mikel Merino) – he’s a big threat.
‘And obviously big Gabi (Gabriel). I have big trust in my teammates and we’ve got the win.’
Merino, who scored the 84th-minute equaliser, added: ‘Late winners are the best. But obviously, from my perspective, it is even greater.
‘Coming back here [to my former club] is always big for me, big memories, amazing place in my life.
‘But also being able to score and help the team coming on is incredible. And yeah, I mean, it couldn’t be better to win in the last minute. Congrats to all the boys.’