Mikel Arteta described the penalty given against Arsenal in their 2-0 win over Sunderland as “not acceptable”.
A dramatic second half saw referee John Brooks point to the spot when Dan Ballard was brought down by Ezri Konsa and Enzo Le Fee’s subsequent effort was parried on to the left post by David Raya.
Two minutes later Bruno Guimaraes struck to send the Gunners ahead and Bukayo Saka wrapped up three points in the seventh additional minute with a penalty after Reinildo Mandava was dismissed following a second yellow card.
Although Arsenal secured their fourth win from as many Premier League games to maintain their perfect start, Arteta expressed his confusion at the decision.
Asked for his thoughts, Arteta said: “The first question and we have to discuss this.
“This is not acceptable at this level because it was a beautiful game of football with two teams, with an atmosphere in the stadium (that) was unbelievable. Sunderland they are so organised, so good in so many phases, they have great players and they create a lot of issues.
“We had to cope with all of that because it was a lot and a really difficult win after Chelsea and Napoli.
“On top of that we have to go through what we’ve done today that, in my opinion, is not acceptable. I watched it 20 times and I cannot find a way to understand how they’d think to give a penalty in that situation or the way the VAR has to intervene.
“I don’t know what to think really. I’m sad we have to discuss before the game something at this level that has the gravity of that. That changes the course of the season and it can cost you the Champions League.
“At this level, with all the work we put in, this cannot happen.”
Arsenal were held to a 2-2 draw at the Stadium of Light after Brian Brobbey equalised in stoppage time last season, and Arteta was pleased to see his side hold firm on Wearside this time around.
Speaking about that game, he added: “We still have something in the tummy and the manner that it happened.
“We knew we were going to have to go through some difficult moments. Chaotic moments inside the box to earn the right to win the game. We’ve done it, we’ve suffered.”
Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris had mixed emotions as he was both “proud and disappointed”.
The Black Cats put in a battling performance which saw them push in the final stages of the game before Saka struck from the spot in added time.
“Proud and disappointed, these are the two words I have in my mind at the minute,” Le Bris said.
“Proud because we showed that we are really close to achieve something big against one of the best teams in Europe right now.
“After the first half, (we were) a bit reserved with the ball I think. Our second half was excellent, we got the momentum, created chances, big save from Raya on the penalty. The league is relentless and this level is relentless, just after we conceded this goal.
“We stayed in the game and created other chances, didn’t score and this is the difference today.”
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