In the 54th minute of the match at The Light, referee John Brooks determined that center-back Ezri Konsa had pulled Dan Ballard in the penalty area, awarding Sunderland a penalty. VAR intervened to review the decision and upheld the on-field call.

According to the Premier League Match Centre, referee Brooks stated: "He tightly held the opponent at the near post and had his back turned". VAR then confirmed: "I agree this is a pulling offense. There is a foul. Uphold the referee's penalty decision".

However, from the penalty spot, Le Fee failed to score. He shot low towards the right corner, but goalkeeper David Raya dived to push the ball onto the post and out.

The collision between Ezri Konsa and Dan Ballard led to a penalty against Arsenal...

... David Raya saved Le Fee's shot during Arsenal's 2-0 victory over Sunderland in the fourth round of the Premier League at The Light stadium, Sunderland, England on 12/9/2026. Photo: Arsenal FC

Although Arsenal did not concede, Arteta dedicated a significant portion of his post-match press conference to express his anger at the referee's decision. "The first thing we need to discuss is this situation. At this level, it is unacceptable", he stated.

Arteta acknowledged that Sunderland posed many challenges for Arsenal in a match with a passionate atmosphere at The Light. He praised the home team's organized play, player quality, and ability to create pressure, especially as Arsenal faced a demanding fixture schedule.

However, the Spanish coach believed the penalty decision jeopardized Arsenal's efforts. Arteta emphasized the unacceptability of this situation at the Premier League level. He stated he had rewatched the play about 20 times but still did not understand why Sunderland was awarded a penalty, nor the reason for VAR's intervention.

"I cannot find a way to understand why they gave a penalty in that situation, or why VAR had to intervene", Arteta said. "I truly do not know what to think".

According to Arteta, such decisions can directly impact the title race, as one incident in a match can completely alter the course of an entire season. "I am sad that after such a great game, at this level, we have to discuss such a weighty situation. It can change the season and cost you the championship", he stated. "With all the effort we put in, this cannot happen".

Slow-motion replays appeared to show Ballard pulling Konsa and then intentionally falling. Arteta continued to criticize the referee's decision in an interview with TNT Sports. "In any case, any context, or any league, that is not a penalty", the 44-year-old coach said, likening the situation to a judo throw.

Head coach Mikel Arteta received a yellow card from referee John Brooks during the Sunderland match. Photo: AP

After Raya saved the penalty, Arsenal immediately scored two goals through Bruno Guimaraes and Bukayo Saka to secure a 2-0 victory. This result helped "the Gunners" maintain their winning streak and remain at the top of the Premier League table with 12 points.

Arteta stated he was pleased with Arsenal's start to the game, consistently applying pressure and actively controlling the match. He believed the game's momentum could shift quickly, as a single mistake, foul, or set-piece could reverse the situation. Therefore, players must maintain focus and resilience to overcome difficult moments.

On 15/9, Arsenal will visit Ipswich Town in the third round of the League Cup.

By Hong Duy (according to Sky Sports, Arsenal.com)