Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta says VAR has ‘significantly improved’ since angry outburst following Newcastle defeat

Mikel Arteta believes that refereeing decisions have greatly improved since his furious VAR rant following Arsenal’s defeat to Newcastle in November.

The Gunners fell to a 1-0 defeat at St James’ Park, with the Spaniard taking exception to Anthony Gordon’s goal.

Gordon’s goal has proven to be one of the most controversial of the seasonCredit: Getty
Arteta was of the view that the ball had originally went out of play, while he argued that Gabriel was fouled by Joelinton in the build-up, but VAR allowed the goal to stand.

The 41-year-old branded the decision as a ‘disgrace’ during a fiery post-match rant and was subsequently fined by the FA for his comments – though he was later cleared of any wrongdoing.

And speaking ahead of the reverse fixture at the Emirates on Saturday night, he hinted that the use of VAR has got better since his angry outburst.

“Well that is what we all wanted,” Arteta replied when asked if he has seen improvement from officials and the technology since the defeat.

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“That at the end the decisions are better and I think the last stats that came across show that there was a significant improvement.

“And a lot of the decisions they were getting right, so hopefully that is the case and we continue to do that.

“I talked the way I felt. I was very straight and I did it in a way that was pretty strong but within the law because I didn’t get charged for it and I think that tells the story.”

Arteta came under criticism for his outburst, but doubled down on his beliefs and insisted it was his ‘duty’ to defend the club.