“This Was Not a Penalty”, Mikel Arteta
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta voiced his dissatisfaction with the speed of the VAR decision that led to Brighton’s match-winning penalty in their recent Premier League clash. The Gunners fell to a 2-1 defeat, with the decisive moment coming when Brighton were awarded a penalty following a contested challenge in the box.
Speaking to reporters after the game, Arteta expressed his concerns about the VAR process. “I looked at the penalty incident myself, and three seconds later, they told me they had already looked at it. It seems fast! For a decision that crucial, you’d expect a more thorough review,” he said.
Arteta’s comments reflect a growing frustration among managers and fans alike over the consistency and transparency of VAR. While the Arsenal boss stopped short of accusing the officials of rushing the process, he questioned whether enough time was taken to analyze the incident properly. “It’s not about blaming anyone; it’s about making sure the system works as it should. These moments can change games, seasons even, and they deserve the right level of scrutiny,” he added.
The penalty, awarded for a challenge by Arsenal’s center-back on Brighton’s forward, was quickly reviewed and upheld by VAR. Despite the protests from Arsenal players and Arteta on the touchline, the decision stood, and Brighton capitalized to secure the win.
Arteta also praised his team’s effort but acknowledged they need to be more clinical. “We had chances to score, and we didn’t take them. These moments hurt, but we have to move on and learn,” he said.
The defeat dealt a blow to Arsenal’s hopes of gaining ground in the title race, while Brighton celebrated a vital three points in their pursuit of European qualification.