Despite Arsenal defeating Sunderland 2-0 in the English Premier League match held at Stadium of Light in Sunderland on Saturday, coach Mikel Arteta expressed extreme dissatisfaction with the decision to award a penalty against his team.
Mikel Arteta stated that the decision to award a penalty to Sunderland could have cost Arsenal the Premier League title, even after the team won 2-0 at the Stadium of Light on Saturday.
Sunderland had a chance to take the initiative early in the second half when Ezri Konsa was penalized for challenging Dan Ballard to the ground. Arteta was furious because photos showed that Ballard was also pulling the Englishman as they fell inside the Arsenal penalty area.
Ultimately, the decision proved insignificant, as Enzo Le Favi's shot was brilliantly saved by David Raya. Just two minutes later, Bruno Guimarães scored Arsenal's first goal, and Bukayo Saka's penalty secured all three points in stoppage time.
However, the result could not stop Arteta's anger towards the match officials. Arteta commented on the situation: 'We must consider what happened today, which I think is unacceptable. I watched it 20 times and cannot understand how they could decide to award a penalty in such a situation or why VAR did not intervene.'
He continued: 'I don't know what to think really. I am sad that we have to discuss something of this seriousness in such a great match, because it can change the course of the season and cost you the championship. At this level, despite all the work we put in, this should not happen.'
Guimarães became a major acquisition for Arsenal in the transfer window, but this £75 million ($87 million) transfer has not yet started, as Arteta maintains faith in Myles Lewis-Smallick alongside Declan Rice and Martin Ødegaard in midfield. The Brazilian came on as a substitute during halftime and proved his worth with a magnificent strike that broke the deadlock and silenced Sunderland fans who were directing their anger at the former Newcastle captain.
Guimarães also participated in Arsenal's second goal, as his pass allowed Saka to fall and earn the penalty. Arteta noted: 'He has character. He comes out, and it is a special match for him, what it means to him, and how he takes control of the game.' He added: 'The decisions he made, and two actions. The goal is incredible, and Bukayo's assist to put it in front of the goal is also incredible.'
The fourth win in four Premier League matches allowed the defending champions to extend their lead over rivals by three points at the top of the table.