Mikel Arteta Says He “Likes VAR” Because Arsenal Benefit From Review of Offside Decision to Beat West Ham

Mikel Arteta was very grateful to VAR because the new technology played a huge role in helping Arsenal beat West Ham on Saturday.

The Gunners won 1-0 thanks to a strike in the second half from Alexandre Lacazette but the goal was not initially given.

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Mesut Ozil, who directed the ball in the attacker’s trajectory, was excluded but the goal was finally awarded to VAR who dominated the German.

VAR was introduced to the Premier League this season and there have been calls to get rid of it due to its incorrect use on numerous occasions.

However, the move underscores the benefits of the new technology and Arteta has suggested that he is the latter’s last advocate, claiming that he “likes VAR” after the game.

He told talkSPORT’s Ian Abrahams: “It was very long. When the goal was denied, my staff came from the bench and said it was a goal.

“I am very happy. Finally, it works, VAR works for us … I love VAR! “

The result means that Arsenal are only five points from the top four, although Chelsea, fourth, has yet to play this weekend.

They are only three points from a Champions League point, provided that UEFA confirms the ban on European football in Manchester City.

But what impressed Arteta the most about the result was the way her team “found a way” to claim the three points.

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Arteta added: “We had moments in the match. We had moments in the first half when we gave unnecessary bullets in dangerous areas.

“We missed the final pass in the last third, the right cross, the right time to finish more actions but I am very satisfied with the result and the way the team found a way to win the match.

“To do this, it sometimes takes individual performances, at the back, in the goal and someone with the courage and the attitude to enter this field as Laca did. By the time I looked at his face, I could tell he was ready to score. “

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