Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta admits ‘without VAR’ Arsenal might not be victorious.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta admits he was happy VAR was working for Sunday’s win at Leeds United.
Arteta was pleased the VAR system was restored after a 40-minute delay, given it reversed a stoppage-time penalty and red card for his side.
The game was only 90 seconds in when a power surge caused the technology used by the officials to cut out. There was even a discussion of it continuing without VAR.
VAR had a busy afternoon as their recommended review saw Leeds given a second-half penalty – missed by Patrick Bamford – before the late drama unfolded.
A review showed the Leeds striker had committed the first foul and the defender’s kick had not made contact. His red was downgraded to a yellow and the penalty decision overturned.
It meant Arsenal held on for a victory which keeps them top of the Premier League, and boss Arteta said: “We had to give them time to resolve the issue with the VAR.
It was important because VAR was important and if we had played the game without VAR, it would have been a different game.
“In the second half we did not make the right decisions and put ourselves in big trouble. But l liked the resilience, the fight, the character and you could see that on show.
“You have to be able to win in any context and we found a way to win. I’m extremely happy because we keep winning.”
