Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has strongly criticised the decision to award Sunderland a penalty during the Gunners’ Premier League victory, describing the incident as unacceptable.
Referee John Brooks pointed to the spot after Ezri Konsa and Sunderland’s Ballard went to ground inside the Arsenal penalty area. Although VAR reviewed the incident, the decision to award the penalty was upheld.

Arteta was furious with the call and questioned why the officials had failed to overturn it.

“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.”

Arteta said he had watched the incident repeatedly but still could not understand why the penalty was given.

“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 decision came as Premier League officials continue their crackdown on grappling during set pieces, with referees instructed to punish holding and wrestling more strictly inside the penalty area.

Former England midfielder Karen Carney suggested Konsa had also taken a risk by getting involved in the tussle.

“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 added: “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.”

However, former Wales defender Ashley Williams backed Arteta’s view.

“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 decision could have changed the match, but Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya produced a crucial save to deny Le Fee and keep his side ahead.

It was only Raya’s second Premier League penalty save. The goalkeeper read the effort and stretched to his full length to tip the ball onto the post.

Arsenal midfielder Bruno Guimaraes praised Raya for keeping the Gunners in the game.

“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 hailed 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 also praised Raya and Arsenal’s defence for standing firm during a difficult contest.

“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 frustration with the penalty decision, Arteta praised his players for handling 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 inspired by Bruno Guimaraes, who scored a spectacular curling effort from the edge of the penalty area.

The Brazilian midfielder has endured a difficult start to life at Arsenal following his £75m summer move from Newcastle, but his goal provided a timely reminder of his quality.

Keown described the strike as a statement from the midfielder.

“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 acknowledged the significance of scoring against Sunderland given his history 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 ultimately survived a chaotic evening to secure the victory, with Raya’s penalty save, a resilient defensive display and Guimaraes’ moment of brilliance proving decisive.