The controversies surrounding VAR seem never-ending, especially this season. Despite managers and players consistently voicing their concerns and emphasizing the need for accuracy in decision-making, more questionable decisions continue to arise every matchweek.
Mikel Arteta, managing Arsenal, is the latest victim of technology in their recent London derby, as the Gunners suffered a 2-0 home defeat on Thursday. Post-match, Arsenal persisted in frustration, and the Spanish manager urged an improvement in video assistant referee technology.
Mikel Arteta wants improvement in VAR
The Boxing Day clash against West Ham United followed a similar storyline to the Arsenal-Newcastle game, where Arsenal experienced their first league loss. Antony Gordon scored after a dubious goal, as the ball had visibly gone out of play, prompting Arteta to call out the VAR blunder.
The Hammers opened the scoreline in the 13th minute with a suspicious goal by Tomas Soucek, who successfully finished a chance into the back of the net after Jarred Bowen delivered a cross inside the box. However, doubts were raised as the ball seemingly went out of the line before Bowen played it to Soucek.
Despite a thorough check, the goal was ruled valid. Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta was left dejected in the post-game conference and pleaded for an enhancement of technology to provide clear and conclusive calls in crucial moments of the match.
He said, “I don’t know, I have not seen it. Is the technology good enough to understand what it is that is probably the question, but I have not seen it. We all want the best technology possible so the decisions are clear and today it was inconclusive with the technology that we have, so it’s something we can improve.”
He added, “They won the game so congratulations to them. With what happened on the pitch, I think we deserve much more than what we got. We tried and tried but the difference was made in the two boxes.
Recently, Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola went off on PL officials for delaying raising an offside flag, leading to John Stone’s injury vs. Everton.
West Ham defeat Arsenal in derby
Even though Arsenal displayed dominance throughout the entire game, registering 30 shots and maintaining 75% ball possession with a 90% passing accuracy, they failed to find a way back to level the score or at least score a single goal.
Aretta acknowledged his team’s efforts stating, “They had two shots, scored two goals. We had 30 shots and did not score a single goal and we had great chances. I have nothing for the players because you have to praise the players because they tried everything.”
The London derby defeat has gone down as Arsenal’s first home loss this campaign, as they were denied three points by David Moyes’s side and a chance to reclaim the top spot of the table. West Ham’s two goals were enough for them to secure victory.
Amid disappointment, Arsenal will now go to Craven Cottage to take on Fulham in yet another London-derby fixture in their final game of the calendar year on Sunday.
