Arsenal Failed To Shift Liverpool, Mikel Arteta Salahkan VAR

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta (X/@Arsenal).

JAKARTA - Arsenal manager, Mikel Arteta, again blamed the video assistant referee (VAR) in the 2023/2024 Premier League match against West Ham United. At the London Derby at the Emirates Stadium, Friday, December 29, 2023, early morning WIB, Arsenal lost 0-2 to fail to replace the leaders of the standings, Liverpool.

Arteta again caused controversy by criticizing VAR technology. According to him, the technology did not help referees in making important decisions in a match.

While reviewing Tomas Soucek's first West Ham goal, referee Michael Oliver took up to five minutes to pass the goal.

The referee actually wanted to review the action of striker Jarrod Bowen when he took the ball that was offered to Soucek.

Unfortunately, Bowen's VAR camera was covered so he couldn't confirm whether he took the ball that was out or not.

After observing the show on VAR for a long time, the referee chose to approve the goal created in the kw-13 minute. Furthermore, Konstantinos Mavropanos' goal solidified the Hammers' victory.

"This is really embarrassing with the technology we have. It's not clear whether we can say the ball is out or still inside," said Arteta.

This is the umpteenth time Arteta has criticized VAR. Previously, this Spanish manager criticized the use of the technology when the referee who approved Anthony Gordon's goal made Arsenal lose 0-1 against Newcastle United.

Arteta also called VAR technology an embarrassing thing because the referee had checked three times. Luckily, Arteta passed the sanctions from the FA for his sub-district. In fact, his statement was discussed on the FA Disciplinary Committee.

The defeat to West Ham made Arsenal fail to reclaim the top position of the standings controlled by Liverpool.

With 40 points, Arsenal, who remain in second place, are still two points behind with the Reds.

"We actually hope to get to the top. However, the result of this match is disappointing. Moreover, we dominate the match," said Arteta.

"We were in a good position, but we picked up disappointing results. That's football. They (West Ham) were better than us in the penalty area," he said.

"They only had two shots, three including penalties. While we had 30 kicks. I don't know how many chances to score, but no one gave a result," said Arteta again.

Meanwhile, West Ham rarely takes a shot into the net, but players always arrive or be in the right time and situation. Arteta added that Arsenal should have had better results in the match.

"They are very good in the penalty area with the right moment. This is what makes the difference," he said.

"I am disappointed that we should have won more in that match. Now, we are focused on facing the next big match against Fulham," said Arteta.

Arsenal ended the festive season (holiday festival) by playing the next London Derby against Fulham. The match was held at home to Fulham on the eve of the New Year or December 31, 2023.

Furthermore, at the beginning of 2024, Arsenal met Liverpool in the third round of the FA Cup. Arsenal acted as hosts in the big match which was held on January 7, 2024.