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Furious Arteta rages over 'unacceptable' Sunderland penalty call

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta expressed intense frustration over an awarded spot-kick following his squad's 2-0 triumph away to Sunderland at the Stadium of Light. Official John Brooks whistled defender Ezri Konsa for grabbing Dan Ballard inside the box during the 54th minute, an assessment that video assistant referee officials ultimately ratified after evaluating the duel at the near post.

Despite seeing the replays numerous times, Arteta strongly criticized the ruling during his post-match address, maintaining that such officiating falls below required standards.

The contentious moment ultimately failed to alter the outcome, as goalkeeper David Raya successfully denied Enzo Le Fee from the spot to preserve parity. Merely 121 seconds after that crucial save, Bruno Guimaraes struck to put Arsenal ahead, securing the victory on an afternoon where Arteta acknowledged both the electric atmosphere and the tactical challenges presented by the hosts.