It’s an absolute disgrace – Mikel Arteta on VAR allowing Anthony Gordon’s goal

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta branded the VAR decision not to rule out Anthony Gordon’s goal in his side’s 1-0 defeat at Newcastle “an absolute disgrace”.

Gordon turned home the winner in a scrappy game of few chances from close range midway through the second half to end Arsenal’s 10-game unbeaten Premier League start.

After referee Stuart Attwell awarded the goal, jubilant Newcastle fans had an extended, anxious wait as the VAR made a triple check to see whether the ball had gone out of play before Joe Willock’s cross, whether Joelinton had fouled Arsenal defender Gabriel and whether Gordon had been offside.

Arteta, whose side slipped two points behind leaders Manchester City, could not hide his anger after the match.

“You have to talk about how the hell did this goal stand up? Incredible. I feel embarrassed,” the 41-year-old Spaniard said.

“I have to now come in here and try to defend the club and please ask for help because it’s an absolute disgrace that this goal is allowed. An absolute disgrace.

“For many reasons, it’s not a goal. More than one reason, it’s not a goal. And there’s too much at stake here. We put so much effort (in).

“It’s so difficult to compete at this level and it’s an absolute disgrace. Again, I feel embarrassed.

“I’ve been more than 20 years in this country and this is nowhere near the level to describe this as the best league in the world, I’m sorry.”

When asked to comment on Arteta’s reaction, Newcastle manager Eddie Howe said he had not seen replays of Gordon’s winner.

Howe said: “Maybe he’s seen something I haven’t because I’ve only seen it with the naked eye, live and from my angle I had no idea what was going on, to be honest.

“I had no idea what was going on with the VAR checks either, so in