The Gunners were aggrieved after a VAR review after the second-half penalty award helped them see off the Stadium of Light visitors.
Arsenal defender Ezri Konsa was penalised for pulling his opponent Dan Ballard inside the box in the contest that saw referee John Brooks point to the spot, with VAR confirming the decision. But Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta was furious with the decision and was critical of its decision to check the spot kick.
“This is not acceptable at this level. I watched it 20 times and I cannot find a way to understand how they think to give a penalty in that situation, or the way the VAR has to intervene,” Arteta said.
“If there is the possibility to avoid that level of mistake -and we have to have the VAR to support us in this kind of situation- it is to our detriment. That decision can affect the whole title race. You cannot watch it and have an explanation for it.”
Sunderland missed the opportunity from the spot, with David Raya saving Enzo Le Fee’s 55th minute attempt.
Bruno Guimaraes then scored just two minutes later before Bukayo Saka added a second fgrom the penalty spot. The result ensured Arsenal’s perfect start to the season with four wins from their first four matches but the club were still unhappy with the officials.
