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Mikel Arteta Arsenal 2023-24Getty

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta demands better technology after more VAR controversy as ex-referee Mark Clattenburg reveals how tough decisions like West Ham's goal could be avoided in the future

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  • Arsenal beaten 2-0 at home by West Ham
  • More VAR controversy at Emirates
  • Arteta insists technology 'is not good enough'
  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    Controversy arose in the first half when Soucek scored in the 13th minute, and VAR was unable to conclusively determine if the ball had gone out before Jarrod Bowen played in a cross. On-field referee Michael Oliver awarded the goal to West Ham which sparked a fiery debate about whether it should have stood. Former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg weighed in on the situation and suggested that a chip should be embedded in the ball to ensure clarity in such situations.

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  • WHAT MARK CLATTENBURG SAID

    Clattenburg said to Amazon Prime: “Just get a chip in the ball. If the ball is chipped like we do, say, in major tournaments, which is possibly what we could get going forward, if that chip was in the ball, they could have the technology to clearly see if the ball went out of play.”

  • GFX Soucek goal Mikel Arteta 2023Amazon/Getty/GOAL

    THE BIGGER PICTURE

    A fuming Arteta took aim at VAR after the shock home defeat to the Hammers and called for better technology to be implemented. When asked if he'd advocate for a chip in the ball, he said: "We all want the best technology possible so that the decisions are clear. So today, if it is inconclusive with the technology that we have nowadays, probably this is something we can improve." Later said: "I don't know, I haven't seen it, but everyone is saying 'is the technology good enough?' to understand where it [the ball] is, and that's probably the question, but I haven't seen it".

  • DID YOU KNOW?

    Arsenal had 30 shots compared to West Ham's six and yet the Gunners could not breach West Ham's fort.

  • Bukayo Saka Arsenal 2023-24Getty

    WHAT NEXT?

    The defeat added to Arsenal's recent domestic struggles as they have earned only four points in their last four league matches. Nonetheless, they have little time to mourn over their latest loss as they must pull up their socks before facing Fulham on Sunday.