MIKEL ARTETA was left “confused” and “surprised” by the decision not to award Arsenal a penalty during their win over Hull.

Referee Farai Hallam was told by VAR to go to the pitchside monitor towards the end of the first half after Nobel Mendy grabbed Kai Havertz’s shirt.

But the spot-kick was not given because the officials deemed the Arsenal striker to be in an offside position.

That sparked confusion, though, as the laws of the game can be interpreted so that Havertz being offside is irrelevant and the penalty should stand.

Arteta said: “I was confused, because when the referee went to the monitor I thought it was because it was a clear penalty. 

“I haven’t watched it back and I didn’t watch it back, so I don’t have to lie to you guys. 

“But I was surprised because when they sent the referee to the monitor, the bench was telling me it’s a clear penalty, it’s pulling. 

“I heard now that they decided not to [give it] because of the starting position of Kai looked like he was offside. 

“So I don’t know what the interpretation is. I’m sure they will make that clear to understand it.”

Arteta’s confusion stems from the offside law stating: “In situations where a player in an offside position is moving towards the ball with the intention of playing the ball and is fouled before playing or attempting to play the ball, or challenging an opponent for the ball, the foul is penalised as it has occurred before the offside offence.”

The Premier League Match Centre, which provides information directly from the VAR Hub, clarified their decision on social media.

They tweeted: “VAR recommended an on-field review for a potential penalty to Arsenal for a challenge by Mendy on Havertz – but determined that Havertz was in an offside position in the build-up.”

The rule has been applied inconsistently in recent years.

Last season, a similar situation saw Brentford were awarded a penalty against Leeds, only for VAR to intervene as the Bees player who won the foul was offside.

The previous campaign, Newcastle were given a penalty after a VAR review against Bournemouth despite the player being in an offside position.

It did not matter in the end as Martin Odegaard’s goal in the 72nd minute secured the three points for Arsenal.

The Gunners are top of the Premier League after winning nine of their opening 10 games, and this was their seventh clean sheet in that run.

Arteta said: “I’m delighted with the win because to go to the international break after winning is one of the best things for a coach or for a player.

“Regarding the performance, we were the better team. We had enough chances to make the scoreline much bigger.”

Defeat for Hull means it is now eight Prem games without a win for them and they are sat 13th in the table.

But Tigers boss Sergej Jakirovic said: “I am very proud of the performance. It is not easy, but defensively we were very good.”