Mikel Arteta hails defence as Arsenal boss gives verdict on VAR controversies in Leicester win

Dominic Booth25 February 2023

Mikel Arteta refused to get drawn into another spat about VAR, despite seeing his Arsenal side twice denied by the officials in their 1-0 win over Leicester.

Leandro Trossard saw a fine 25th minute strike ruled out after a check by the Stockley Park officials, with Ben White adjudged to have fouled Foxes’ keeper Danny Ward in the build-up.

Arsenal were then denied a penalty when Bukayo Saka went down under presssure from Harry Souttar, but nothing was given by referee Craig Pawson after a VAR check.

Arteta admitted it was a ‘shame’ that Trossard’s superb effort was chalked off, but was relucant to comment again on referees and the use of VAR. The Spaniard has been vocal in his criticism of the technology at times this season, particularly after Arsenal’s recent 1-1 draw with Brentford.

Speaking to Sky Sports after the match, he said: “I haven’t seen the replay. The decision is made. What can we do?

“It’s a shame because he put it in the top bin and it was a great finish. But we managed to recover so we don’t get too upset about that decision.”

On the Saka penalty incident, he added: “Again, I don’t want to talk more about those decisions. Fortunately today, it didn’t matter.”

Arteta was frustrated that his side weren’t able to add to their lead, sealed by Gabriel Martinelli in the opening seconds of the second half, but lauded his back line for recording another clean sheet.

He said: “For the amount of time that we dominated ball possession, territory, the situation in the final third, we should have created much more and scored more goals.

“When we don’t you have to be exceptional in your defensive work – I think we conceded just one chance, only. Defensively, the team was outstanding.

“It’s a difficult place to come here, so it’s a huge win.”

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