Mikel Arteta has expressed fury over what he believes were two clear red-card incidents that may have cost Arsenal the Premier League title. The Gunners secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Newcastle United at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday, with Eberechi Eze's early goal proving decisive. However, the Spanish manager was far from satisfied with the officiating.
Arteta's Outburst Over Pope Incident
Speaking after the match, Arteta was incensed that Newcastle goalkeeper Nick Pope was not sent off for a challenge on Viktor Gyokeres. The Arsenal boss argued that the decision could have significant implications for the title race. “I have to say, in my opinion, it is a clear red card. I've watched it ten times,” Arteta stated. “If you have ever played football, it is a red card. It's the second time in two games because against Manchester City, when Kai Havertz goes through, Khusanov fouls him.”
Missed Decisions in Crucial Moments
Arteta highlighted that a similar incident occurred in the previous match against Manchester City, where defender Abdukodir Khusanov escaped a red card for a foul on Havertz. “1-1, the title is there. It is a red card, guys. So these are the margins as well, and hopefully that's going to change,” he added. The Arsenal manager stressed that these decisions are occurring at critical junctures when everything is at stake.
“I’m saying the reality of the last two games in crucial moments when everything is at stake, we need everything to go our way and it hasn’t,” Arteta continued. “I’m not putting any excuses. I’m the first one to understand. I didn’t talk about it when we lost the game, and when we won, it’s a red card. Today is a red card in Manchester, the world is different. That’s it.”
Why Was Pope Not Dismissed?
When asked why he believed Pope was only shown a yellow card, Arteta responded, “I don't know, they will have their opinion. I'm here to give my opinion as somebody that has been in the game for a long time. You talk to any of the players, because the trajectory where the ball is, there's no keeper there. If that were to happen the other way around, it's a red card.”
The victory propelled Arsenal back to the top of the Premier League table, although Manchester City hold a game in hand. Arteta’s side now turn their attention to a Champions League semi-final first leg against Atletico Madrid away from home, followed by a league fixture against Fulham. However, injury concerns loom as both Kai Havertz and Eberechi Eze were withdrawn during the Newcastle match.
