Mikel Arteta struggled to hide his ire after Nicolas Pepe was denied a penalty during Arsenal’s 1-1 draw against Sheffield United at the Emirates.
The Gunners looked on course for what would have been only their second Premier League victory under their new manager after Gabriel Martinelli prodded the home side into the lead on the stroke of half time.
Pepe looked to have won a spot kick midway through the second period when he jinked his way into the box and fell over the outstretched leg of Jack O’Connell.
Referee Mike Dean, officiating his 500th top flight game, failed to spot the offence and his apparent error was compounded by VAR reluctance to overturn his decision.
Arteta was equally unimpressed when Jorginho escaped without a second caution for an obvious shirt pulling offence during last month’s defeat against Chelsea and the Arsenal boss clearly feels his team isn’t getting the rub of the green at present.
#VAR controversy at Arsenal – Arteta’s reaction says it all!#beINPL #ARSSHU pic.twitter.com/9ylX1eyo5U
— beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS_EN) January 18, 2020
‘I think it’s very clear,’ said Arteta when asked if he thought O’Connell’s trip on Pepe should have resulted in a spot kick.
‘It was the same as with Chelsea, very clear. I don’t know how many tools do we need?
‘A lot of things happen and the challenge is getting bigger and bigger because we are getting a lot of bad surprises every day with some injuries and suspensions.
‘But we are up for it whatever we have we have we will try our best every time we get on that pitch and we did that today.’
Arsenal conceded an equaliser to John Fleck 12 minutes after stand-in skipper Alexandre Lacazette was replaced by youngster Eddie Nketiah.
The France striker has now gone seven games without a goal but Arteta was pleased by the reception the former Lyon star received from the home fans when he was taken off.
He added: Absolutely, I think they (the fans) are appreciating the work we are putting in here. The players with their commitment how much they want it, their attitude.
‘I am so happy with the fans because it makes a huge difference when we have that type of atmosphere at home it is very helpful.’
MORE: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang explains why Gabriel Martinelli will become an Arsenal superstar
MORE: Layvin Kurzawa drops Arsenal transfer hint on social media
