Eddie Howe: Newcastle United manager feels win against Arsenal 'overshadowed' by VAR row
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'VAR row overshadowed our performance' - Howe on Arsenal win
Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe feels his side's win against Arsenal has been "overshadowed" by the VAR row over Anthony Gordon's goal.
There were three video assistant referee checks before Gordon's scrappy second-half winner was finally awarded.
The decision was called "embarrassing" by Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta.
Howe said he was "disappointed" with the VAR controversy dominating the post-match discussion, as his players' display was "absolutely outstanding".
He added: "It's a big subject, VAR in my opinion won't be going anywhere.
"I think once the technology is in it's about trying to get the technology to work in the best way, whatever that is."
The defeat at St James' Park put an end to third-placed Arsenal's unbeaten start to the season in the Premier League.
The only goal of the game was scrutinised for three potential issues - the ball going out of play in the build-up, a foul on Arsenal defender Gabriel by Joelinton and an offside against goalscorer Gordon.
All three checks went in the home side's favour, leaving Arteta furious and labelling the VAR ruling a "disgrace".
Arsenal then released a statement backing the Spaniard's comments and asked for "urgent" action on refereeing standards.
However, the Premier League's Key Match Incidents panel has ruled the decision, external to award Gordon's controversial winner was correct.
Match of the Day: Should Newcastle's goal have stood?
While Howe said he been "reluctant" when VAR was first introduced to the Premier League during the 2019-20 season, he does think there have been "real benefits" to the review system.
"There's aspects of it that do work but my big thing will be when a game ends it should be about the players, about the football, about what we've seen," said Howe.
"The main focus should not be about the referees or VAR. I think that's very dangerous, as I say, we beat Arsenal and played very well.
"I don't think there was any talk or reaction about how well the team played or individuals within the team and how well they excelled, it was all about one refereeing decision which I think is sad."
Newcastle, who are sixth in the table, face Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium on Saturday at 17:30 GMT.
The Football News Show: What do we want from VAR?
Managers are 'locked down' when it comes to VAR - Moyes
The use of VAR was also a major talking point for other Premier League bosses on Friday.
West Ham's David Moyes said managers should be able to express their honest opinions without the threat of punishment, while Wolves counterpart Gary O'Neil has called for the 'clear and obvious' rule for overturning an error to be scrapped.
Moyes said highlighting controversial decisions tends to leave managers in the difficult position of either being fined, or clubs from outside the top six not being listened to.
"We're all pretty disappointed with lots of aspects but we're also all very much in favour of trying to make it work," said Moyes, whose side face Nottingham Forest on Sunday.
"I just think we've all been disappointed with some of the officiating this season. My single opinion wouldn't matter a jot. They'll do what they need to do.
"When we're putting it over it's not getting much clout at the other end. You can ask us but we feel that we're not getting an awful lot back when we're giving it back to the officials or whoever.
"We don't want to do it because managers will be fined for speaking out of turn. Most managers don't want to say anything about it because we know we're locked down."
O'Neil has seen his Wolves side on the wrong end of VAR decisions in each of the past two games, leading to penalties for opponents Newcastle and Sheffield United.
After last weekend's 2-1 defeat at the Blades, O'Neil said he had "given up" on referees.
"Clear and obvious makes it harder for the officials," said O'Neil, whose side host Tottenham on Saturday.
"It would be easier if the guy in the hub can just say, 'we don't think that's a penalty, take a look or we'll overrule it'.
"You would get more right if you let the guy who had the slow mos and replays say, 'in our opinion it's not a penalty'.
"It shouldn't need to be a clear and obvious error to get to the right conclusion."
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