Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta expressed serious concerns over refereeing standards despite his side securing a 2-0 victory away at Sunderland on Saturday night, a result that keeps the Premier League leaders' momentum intact.
The match at the Stadium of Light proved far tougher than the scoreline suggests, with Régis Le Bris's Sunderland side putting up fierce resistance against the champions. Bruno Guimarães eventually broke the deadlock for Arsenal, and Bukayo Saka added a second from the penalty spot deep into stoppage time after Sunderland defender Reinildo was shown a second yellow card and dismissed.
However, the flashpoint of the evening came before Guimarães's opener, when referee John Brooks pointed to the spot for what he adjudged to be a foul by Ezri Konsa on Dan Ballard. Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya produced an outstanding save to deny Enzo Le Fée from the resulting penalty, sparing his side what would have been a costly setback.
Arteta was unequivocal in his assessment of the officiating, insisting his defender had done nothing wrong and that it was in fact the Sunderland forward who had initiated the contact.
"We had to overcome a really tough opponent in a difficult place," Arteta said. "Sunderland can suffocate you and they decided to be really physical and very direct and we also had to overcome a situation that, in my opinion, was unacceptable at this level.
"I'm very worried and sad because this can never be a penalty. It's a judo roll from the opponent. Ezri does nothing. We have to take responsibility to protect the game. Today the game was unprotected and it could have cost us the win and our momentum. I'm really sad. It should never have happened."
Despite his frustration with the officials, Arteta had nothing but praise for Guimarães's decisive strike, describing it as "beautiful." The Arsenal boss himself was shown a yellow card in the first half for repeatedly leaving his technical area, a sign of just how tense the encounter became.
Sunderland ultimately fell to defeat despite a spirited second-half performance that saw them push for an equaliser after going behind. Le Bris admitted his emotions were mixed following the final whistle, torn between pride in his team's effort and disappointment at coming away empty-handed.
"I'm proud and disappointed, these are the two words that are in my mind at the minute," the Sunderland manager said. "I'm proud because I think we showed that we are really close to achieving something big against one of the best teams in Europe right now.
"After the first half we were a bit reserved with the ball I think, but our second half was excellent. We got the momentum, created chances and it was a big save from Raya from the penalty. I think it was very good goalkeeping rather than a poor penalty. Raya was absolutely impressive today."
Le Bris pointed to his side's inability to convert their late pressure into a goal as the ultimate difference between the two teams. "We stayed in the game and we created other chances but we didn't score and that was the difference today," he said, adding that Sunderland's intensity, togetherness and tactical flexibility against a dangerous Arsenal side were signs of continued progress. "It's not enough yet but we are close."
The win extends Arsenal's strong run of form as they continue to lead the Premier League table, while Sunderland will look to build on encouraging signs despite falling short against one of the division's top sides.
Based on reporting from Guardian Football.