Mikel Arteta did not mince his words after Arsenal's 2-0 victory over Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on Saturday, branding a penalty awarded against his side as "absolutely unacceptable" — even as the result extended Arsenal's perfect start to the Premier League season and moved them clear at the summit.

The flashpoint

The controversy emerged early in the second half, with the match still goalless. Referee John Brooks pointed to the spot after ruling that Arsenal defender Ezri Konsa had fouled Dan Ballard during a set-piece inside the penalty area. VAR reviewed and upheld the decision, leaving Arteta incensed on the touchline — a fury that earned him a yellow card.

David Raya produced a crucial save to deny Sunderland from the spot, and Arsenal went on to claim all three points. Yet the manager's post-match focus remained firmly on the officiating.

Arteta's verdict

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Arteta was unsparing in his criticism. "I'm extremely pleased to win again," he said. "We had a really tough week — Chelsea, Napoli, winning there, and now against a really tough opponent in a difficult place."

He then turned to the incident that had ignited his anger. "We had to overcome a situation that in my opinion was absolutely unacceptable at this level. I'm very worried and very sad because this can never be a penalty — ever."

Arteta described the challenge as a theatrical fall rather than a genuine foul. "It's a judo roll from the opponent. Ezri does nothing. Just watch it. We have a lot of cameras and VAR — we have to take responsibility to protect the game. Today the game was unprotected, and it could have cost us the game and the momentum, which is a really, really serious thing."

The Arsenal manager was careful to frame his complaint as broader than club interest. "I'm making it very clear publicly because it's for the game — it's not only for Arsenal. This cannot happen at this level," he said.

Unbeaten and top of the league

Despite the controversy, Arsenal remain in excellent shape. Saturday's win — their latest in a run that has also included victories over Chelsea and Napoli in a demanding week — keeps them at the top of the Premier League with a 100 percent record intact. Arteta acknowledged his satisfaction at the result even while expressing his frustration: "I loved the save from David, the way the team reacted, the way we go again and go against everything — but this should never happen. It's not fair, and I am sad in that sense."