Arteta had been booked earlier in the first half for repeatedly leaving his technical area.
By Kehinde Okeowo
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has slammed what he described as “unacceptable” officiating during his team’s 2-0 win over Sunderland in a Premier League clash on Saturday night.
The Spanish tactician made his feelings known during his post-match press conference while analysing the highly physical and fiery encounter.
Arsenal made it four wins out of four games this season in a hard-fought victory at the Stadium of Light, where they were severely put to the test.
Sunderland had a chance to take the lead from the penalty spot in the second half when Ezri Konsa was deemed to have dragged down Dan Ballard in the box.
It proved to be the turning point: David Raya tipped Enzo Le Fée’s spot-kick onto the post, and just over two minutes later, Arsenal substitute Bruno Guimarães crashed in the opener off the underside of the crossbar. Bukayo Saka then doubled the lead from the penalty spot in stoppage time.
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Asked after the match if it was one of the tougher tests he has faced this season, a furious Arteta replied: “Yeah, it’s a huge win, but it could have been something very different.”
The gaffer, who had been booked in the first half by the referee for repeatedly leaving his technical area, added: “It’s not a penalty in any case, in any game, in any context, in any league.”
With the win, Arsenal moved up to 12 points to go top of the Premier League, leapfrogging Manchester City, who play local rivals Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday.
