Bukayo Saka claims that “little things” like VAR always go against Arsenal in the Premier League after they pulled out a dramatic last-minute win at Newcastle United.
The Gunners had to throw the kitchen sink at their opponents at St. James’ Park on Saturday after going behind to a Nick Woltemade header from a corner in the first half.
Mikel Arteta threw on William Saliba, Gabriel Martinelli, Mikel Merino and Martin Odegaard on in search of an equaliser, and it finally paid off in the 84th minute when Declan Rice’s cross was turned in by Merino following a corner routine.
Fittingly, the contest was decided by another goal from a corner when Gabriel Magalhães headed home from Martin Odegaard’s delivery deep into stoppage time.
“It’s unbelievable,” Saka told Sky Sports after the full-time whistle. “Late winners, there’s nothing better in football. So speechless. I’m so happy.
“When you’re on the bench and you can’t control and affect the game, but when you have guys like this guy [Merino] – he’s a big threat. And obviously big Gabi [Gabriel Magalhães]. I have big trust in my teammates and we’ve got the win.”
Bukayo Saka: Little things like VAR always go against Arsenal
Saka felt that the video review took too long for the initial decision to be considered a clear and obvious.
“The penalty, you know, for me, like if we have VAR for clear and obvious errors, and the fact that it took the ref that long to decide,” the winger said.
“So it’s not a clear and obvious error, but it’s things like this, these little things that always go against us. But I think today, we got what we deserved for sure. I was speechless, man. But doesn’t matter now we won.”
Newcastle were also denied a penalty in the game when the referee did not point to the spot after Anthony Elanga’s cross hit Gabriel’s outstretched arm in the box. A VAR check determined that it deflected off the defender’s leg first.
The result sees Arsenal close the gap to Premier League leaders Liverpool to just two points after the Merseyside outfit lost to Crystal Palace on Saturday.
