Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta on technology delays in game at Tottenham

February 23, 2026 - 09:32

Arsenal's emphatic 4-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur in the North London derby was twice interrupted by significant technological failures, casting a shadow over the match's officiating. The game was halted on two separate occasions due to a complete breakdown in communication between the on-field referee, Michael Oliver, and his video assistant referee (VAR) team.

The first stoppage occurred in the first half, lasting several minutes as officials struggled to restore contact. Play was eventually resumed with the traditional use of flags and whistles, only for the system to fail again in the second half, causing another lengthy delay. These incidents left players, managers, and a global audience in a state of confusion and frustration during one of the Premier League's most heated fixtures.

While the Gunners' performance was dominant on the pitch, the repeated technical glitches raised serious questions about the reliability of the systems underpinning modern officiating. The match ultimately proceeded without further issue, but the interruptions served as an unwelcome reminder of football's growing dependence on technology and the potential for high-profile failures in its most critical moments. The league is expected to review the malfunctions.