SUNDERLAND, England (AP) — A furious Mikel Arteta hit out at a penalty given against Arsenal in the Premier League champion’s 2-0 win against Sunderland on Saturday, saying such decisions could change the course of the season.

Sunderland was awarded a spot kick in the second half at the Stadium of Light when Arsenal’s Ezri Konsa brought down Dan Ballard in the box.

The score was 0-0 at the time and Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya pushed away Enzo Le Fee’s penalty.

Despite Arsenal going on to win, Arteta was still seething about the decision.

“It’s unacceptable at this level. Unacceptable. This changes the course of the season, the championship, and it’s not acceptable,” Arteta told TNT Sports.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta rages at 'unacceptable' penalty against Sunderland | iNFOnews.ca — Referee John Brooks, right, shows a yellow card to Arsenal’s manager Mikel Arteta during the English Premier League soccer match between Sunderland and Arsenal in Sunderland, England, Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026. (AP Photo/Ian Hodgson)

Referees have been instructed to clamp down on infringements in the box during set-piece plays. The Premier League confirmed the penalty was given for a holding offense by Konsa on Ballard.

“I’ve seen it 10 times to make sure because I watched it live and I said it’s not possible at this level that there’s going to be a penalty,” Arteta said. “I’ve been in football for almost 27 years, 28 years. It’s not a penalty in any case, in any game, in any context, in any league.”

Bruno Guimaraes put Arsenal ahead two minutes after Raya saved from Le Fee. Bukayo Saka sealed the win with a penalty for Arsenal in added time.