Saka ‘speechless’ over VAR decision at St James Park

Arsenal’s Late Heroics Overshadow VAR Controversy at St James’ Park

Saka’s VAR Frustration

Bukayo Saka could not hide his dismay after Arsenal’s dramatic 2-1 comeback win at Newcastle United. Reflecting on the controversial penalty decision involving Viktor Gyokeres and Nick Pope, the winger admitted he was left “speechless” and claimed that VAR decisions “always go against” Arsenal.

Speaking after the match, Saka said:“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… 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.”

Arsenal’s Bench Power Shifts the Game

Once again, Mikel Arteta’s substitutions proved decisive. Just as Gabriel Martinelli turned the tide in a recent clash, this time it was Mikel Merino who changed the narrative. His equaliser set the stage before Gabriel Magalhaes struck deep into stoppage time. It underlined a growing theme in Arsenal’s season: their depth is now a weapon, not a weakness.

Photo: IMAGO

Merino captured the moment perfectly:“Late winners are the best. But obviously, from my perspective, it is even greater. Coming back here [to my former club] is always big for me, big memories, amazing place in my life. But also being able to score and help the team coming on is incredible. And yeah, I mean, it couldn’t be better to win in the last minute. Congrats to all the boys.”

Debatable Penalty Adds to VAR Debate

The first-half penalty call remains at the heart of the debate. Referee Jarred Gillett initially awarded a spot-kick after Pope collided with Gyokeres, only to reverse his decision on VAR review. Arteta voiced his frustration:“If it’s not a clear and obvious error, VAR should not intervene. We’ve been told this for a few years, this style of decision again, and for me, it’s very clear that it doesn’t have to intervene because it’s a penalty.”

Arsenal’s Title Credentials Strengthened

Beyond the controversy, the narrative belongs to Arsenal’s resilience. St James’ Park has long been a formidable stage, yet Arteta’s men found late energy to deliver a defining result. For Saka, the meaning was clear:“Late winners – there’s nothing better in football. So speechless. I’m so happy.”

This victory may be remembered less for VAR and more for the statement it makes. Arsenal, with momentum and belief, look primed to keep their title ambitions alive.