Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has criticised the decision to award Sunderland a penalty during the Gunners’ Premier League win, calling the incident unacceptable.
Referee John Brooks awarded Sunderland a spot-kick after Ezri Konsa and Sunderland defender Ballard went down inside Arsenal’s box. Despite a VAR review, the original decision stood.
Arteta questioned why the officials failed to overturn the call.
“It’s a judo roll from the opponent. Ezri [Konsa] does nothing. Just watch it,” Arteta told BBC Match of the Day on Saturday.
“We have a lot of cameras and VAR, we have to take responsibility to protect the game. Today the game was unprotected and it could have cost us the game and the momentum which is a really, really serious thing.”
The Arsenal boss said he had watched the incident several times but remained unable to understand the decision.
“This should never happen, it’s not fair, and I am sad, very sad, in that sense,” he said.
“I’m making it very clear publicly because it’s for the game, it’s not only for Arsenal, this cannot happen at this level.
“It’s not acceptable, I’ve watched it 20 times and can’t think of why it was given.”
The controversy comes as Premier League officials intensify their efforts to eliminate grappling during set pieces, with referees instructed to take tougher action against holding and wrestling inside penalty areas.
Former England midfielder Karen Carney said Konsa had also taken a risk by becoming involved in the battle.
“With the new laws trying to get rid of the grappling, Konsa is all over Ballard. You have to be looking at the ball,” Carney said on TNT Sports.
Former Arsenal defender Martin Keown also noted the danger of getting involved in such situations.
“Ballard was holding Konsa’s arm but you run the risk. They want to stamp down on it so there is no point arguing about it,” Keown said.
Former Wales defender Ashley Williams, however, agreed with Arteta that the decision was incorrect.
“It’s absolutely not a penalty. He has got it completely wrong, Konsa’s shoulder is pulled down by Ballard and he lands on top,” Williams said on BBC Match of the Day.
“It’s like a perfect toss in judo. It’s very clever by Ballard but in no way is it a penalty.”
The penalty could have altered the outcome of the match, but Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya came to his side’s rescue by saving Le Fee’s effort.
It was only Raya’s second Premier League penalty save, with the goalkeeper reading the attempt before stretching to tip the ball onto the post.
Arsenal midfielder Bruno Guimaraes praised Raya for keeping the Gunners in control of the contest.
“He keeps us alive in the game, that unbelievable moment saving the penalty,” Guimaraes told TNT Sports.
“I think after this moment we [took from it] a big confidence to play forward and score our goal.”
Former Brentford manager Thomas Frank, who signed Raya during his time at the club, also praised the goalkeeper.
“This penalty save is exceptional. He gets out so quick,” Frank said on BBC Match of the Day.
“For me he’s the best goalkeeper in the Premier League and one of the best in the world.”
Keown similarly credited Raya and Arsenal’s defence for surviving Sunderland’s pressure.
“It is a fantastic win and the ground work was done by the defence. They have weathered the storm and the goalkeeper steps up and makes a wonderful save,” he said.
“He is very important to Arsenal and what they achieve. He was magnificent and doesn’t get the credit he deserves.”
Despite his anger over the penalty, Arteta praised his players for remaining composed under Sunderland’s pressure.
“We knew we would have to go through some difficult and chaotic moments to have the right to win this game,” he said. “But we have done it.”
Arsenal’s victory was also powered by Bruno Guimaraes, whose spectacular curling effort from outside the box proved decisive.
The Brazilian midfielder has endured a challenging start following his £75m move from Newcastle in the summer, but the goal highlighted his quality.
Keown described the strike as a statement from Guimaraes.
“That goal is about personality and character. It was him saying: I am going to make my mark at this football club,” Keown said.
“He has been watching on the sidelines, but has said: ‘Take a look at me – this is what I can do.’
“Boy did he shut the crowd up. A class player, going to the next level.”
Guimaraes said the goal was particularly meaningful because of his previous connection with Newcastle.
“It was a beautiful goal. Everyone knows my past, I had an amazing history at Newcastle,” he told TNT Sports.
“But now I’m trying to create a new history here and I start with the right foot.”
Arsenal eventually came through a difficult contest, with Raya’s penalty save, a determined defensive performance and Guimaraes’ outstanding finish proving crucial to securing the victory.
