According to a report by Evening Standard on November 8, 2026, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has called for further clarification over the controversial VAR decision that saw his side denied a penalty during their 1-0 victory over Hull City at the Emirates Stadium.

The incident occurred when referee Benji sent the match official to the pitchside monitor to review a penalty appeal involving Kai Havertz, leaving Arteta seeking an explanation for the final decision.

The referee initially awarded Arsenal a penalty after ruling that Havertz had been brought down inside the box. However, the decision was overturned after the forward was adjudged to have been in an offside position earlier in the move.

Although Arteta admitted that he had not watched the incident again, he revealed that he initially expected the penalty decision to stand.

"I won't lie to you guys because I haven't watched it back or even rewatched it," the Spaniard claimed.

He also explained that he had been told the incident would result in a clear penalty, making the eventual decision even more surprising.

"So I was taken aback because Benji informed me it was a clear penalty when the referee was sent to the monitor."

Arteta said he later understood that the decision had been overturned because of Havertz's initial position, but remained uncertain about how the rules had been applied.

"I am uncertain about the interpretation. I am confident that they will clarify it so that we can understand it."

The Arsenal manager was also asked whether the increasing complexity of VAR decisions was making it difficult for managers to understand certain refereeing calls.

Arteta admitted that he needed further information before forming a firm opinion on the matter.

Meanwhile, Arsenal secured all three points despite missing several opportunities to score, with Martin Odegaard netting the decisive goal.

Asked about his team's finishing, Arteta acknowledged that there was room for improvement, particularly when facing opponents who defend with a deep defensive line.

The victory gave Arsenal an important boost ahead of the international break, although the controversial decision involving Havertz remained a major talking point after the match.