Mikel Arteta’s tirade following Arsenal’s 3-0 loss to Newcastle on Saturday possessed an air of nostalgia. The Arsenal manager’s tirade to the media evoked recollections of Kevin Keegan’s failure to advance the narrative in the 1990s, and he might receive equivalent derision for it.
Arteta was enraged when VAR ruled that Anthony Gordon’s Magpies’ victory should stand, notwithstanding the fact that it had undergone three distinct reviews. Arteta’s indignation originated from the initial one of those checks.
Joe Willock made an effort to maintain possession of the ball prior to delivering it into the penalty area, despite significant uncertainty regarding whether it had already been expunged. While a particular camera angle appeared to support this notion, it was ultimately determined that inconclusive evidence did not exist.
Thus, following two additional Joelinton challenge reviews that concluded Gordon was onside, the goal was ultimately awarded. An enraged Arteta ensues.
Arteta stated, “It is absolutely disgraceful and humiliating; that is precisely what it is: a disgrace” (as cited in the Guardian). “So much is at stake; we have devoted countless hours to competing at the highest level; you cannot fathom the volume of communications we have received stating that this cannot continue. Such an embarrassment.
“It is intolerable; an excessive amount is at stake. I have no desire to be in the care of these individuals. I have no idea what to feel. Both I and we are squandering our time. Newcastle is an exceptionally formidable opponent, which makes it difficult enough to contend, but we must also discuss how the hell this goal stood. It is completely abhorrent that it was permitted. There are numerous reasons why it ought not to be an aim.
“Having lived in this country for over two decades, I can say that [the officiating] is in no way comparable to that of the preeminent league worldwide. I am ill at ease being a part of this. I am feeling quite ill. “It is not a goal, that much is certain.”
The subsequent day, his club extended its assistance, as Arsenal issued a statement urging the PGMOL to “immediately” rectify the officiating standard in the Premier League. As Michael Scott from The Office would say, “How the tables certainly turn.”
A few weeks ago, Arteta provided his assessment of the VAR controversy that occurred during Liverpool’s match against Tottenham. The straightforward reaction of the Spaniard towards the incorrect disallocation of Luis Díaz’s goal was as follows: “[The authorities] are endeavoring to arrive at the most optimal decisions possible. It is imperative that we acknowledge the occurrence of errors.
Mikel, errors do occur; however, your level of forgiveness appears to be slightly diminished when they pertain to your own team. Indeed, he is not the only one.
Equally sympathetic to officials in the wake of the Díaz controversy was Vincent Kompany. Upon the appointment of Darren England, the referee notorious for awarding Simon Hooper the ‘check complete’ signal, for Burnley’s match against Brentford, the former Manchester City defender stated without concern to the Daily Mail, stating, “Errors are human.”
Eight days later, Kompany compared VAR to “visiting a casino” after Bournemouth left him perplexed by decisions that went against his side. Vincent, please pardon us if we do not feel your suffering.
Prime League managers were afforded an opportunity to advocate for reform following the shambles involving Liverpool in North London. In contrast to other occurrences, this did not involve a referee rendering a subjective decision with which some individuals might hold differing opinions. This situation involved an official acknowledging a perfectly valid objective, inadvertently communicating the error to a colleague, and subsequently opting to remain silent regarding the correction.
However, instead of supporting Liverpool’s demands for systemic adjustments, Jurgen Klopp and the Reds were ridiculed and told to move on. Now that other teams are experiencing the same difficulties that Liverpool did, albeit with far less egregious judgments, it is imperative that immediate adjustments be made. That is quite convenient, huh?
We presumably should not be surprised by the prevalence of selfishness among clubs in the Premier League. Indeed, a considerable number of them were more than content to declare the 2019-20 season null and void following its suspension due to the Covid-19 pandemic (as reported by The Athletic). It was a mere happenstance, of course, that Liverpool was romping toward the championship that season, requiring only a few victories to secure the title.
However, by not supporting Liverpool in September, Arteta has revealed the blatant hypocrisy that permeates the discourse surrounding VAR. Clubs had the opportunity to effect change, but they failed to do so due to their personal biases. Had Arteta responded sooner, it is possible that he could have avoided the situation where he lost his cool in front of the cameras.
With any certainty, as the season unfolds, additional managers will alter their stance. But if they do, they should not anticipate Liverpool’s pity.