Arsenal And Newcastle Serve Up Drama As VAR Takes Center Stage

Trips to St James’ Park are never short of noise, intensity, and controversy—and Sunday’s 2–1 Arsenal victory over Newcastle United was no exception. From fierce tackles to passionate protests, the atmosphere was as electric as it gets in the Premier League. But once again, it was VAR that stole the spotlight.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta and vice-captain Bukayo Saka were quick to voice frustrations at the technology, claiming that its intervention spoiled the flow of the game. Yet on closer inspection, it may actually be Newcastle who have the stronger case for complaint.

The flashpoint came midway through the first half when Viktor Gyökeres burst through on goal, only to be clattered by Nick Pope. Referee Jarred Gillett initially pointed to the spot, but VAR Darren England advised a review. Pope had brushed the ball with his foot before making contact with the Arsenal striker, leading to the penalty being overturned. Arteta was unimpressed, arguing that the decision failed to meet the “clear and obvious error” threshold.

Saka echoed his boss, stating, “If it takes that long to decide, then it’s not clear and obvious.” However, refereeing analyst Dale Johnson pointed out that VAR was simply supplying Gillett with new information he hadn’t seen in real time. By those standards, the intervention was justified—and consistent with how VAR is applied across top leagues.

But while Arsenal protested about what wasn’t given, Newcastle may feel more aggrieved about what was ignored. The Magpies had strong appeals for handball against Gabriel waved away, while the Brazilian defender also avoided punishment for catching Nick Woltemade in the face. To rub salt into the wound, Gabriel popped up with the decisive goal at the other end.

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe stayed calm under the circumstances, refusing to get dragged into the controversy. “I thought it might have been handball at first, but it wasn’t given, so we have to accept it,” he said, focusing instead on his team’s performance.

For Arsenal, the victory keeps momentum rolling, but the VAR narrative shows no signs of disappearing any time soon. For Newcastle, the frustration will linger—not just because of the result, but because they’ll feel the key calls fell against them.

At Sports Market International, we celebrate the thrill, the chaos, and yes, even the controversy that makes football the world’s best sport. And as Sunday’s clash proved, in the battle for points and pride, technology has become as much a part of the drama as the players themselves.