Key Takeaways
- Mikel Arteta believes Newcastle goalkeeper Nick Pope should have received a red card for a challenge in the second half.
- The Arsenal manager also complained that Manchester City’s Abdukodir Khusanov deserved a sending off during last week’s match at the Etihad Stadium.
- Arsenal moved three points clear at the top of the Premier League following a 1-0 victory over Newcastle.
Mikel Arteta has strongly criticised refereeing decisions involving both Newcastle United and Manchester City. The Arsenal manager believes his team have been denied clear red card decisions in crucial matches.
Speaking after Arsenal’s 1-0 victory over Newcastle at the Emirates Stadium, Arteta expressed frustration that goalkeeper Nick Pope remained on the pitch. The incident occurred in the 74th minute when Pope rushed from his area to clear the ball. He missed the ball completely and fouled an Arsenal substitute with his follow-through.
Although a Newcastle defender was covering behind the goalkeeper, Arteta insisted the challenge warranted a sending off. The referee showed only a yellow card, and the video assistant referee decided against recommending an upgrade to red.
Arteta also reopened controversy from last Sunday’s defeat at Manchester City. He argued that City defender Abdukodir Khusanov should have been dismissed for a last-man foul on Kai Havertz in the 53rd minute. At that point, the score was level at 1-1. City eventually won the match 2-1.
“You can ask any player,” Arteta said. “When the goalkeeper comes out like that and misses the ball, it is a red card. If the situation were reversed, the decision would be different.”
The Spaniard suggested the title race would look very different if City had been reduced to ten men during that key fixture.
Arsenal secured victory through an early goal following a short corner routine. Arteta praised his players’ courage for persisting with the tactic despite groans from the home crowd.
“When opponents defend so physically, you must find alternative ways to attack,” he explained. “The players showed great bravery to stick with our plan despite the pressure.”
Arteta acknowledged the difficulty of the title run-in. “After 22 years without winning the league, we do not expect an easy path with roses and music,” he stated. “We know it will be difficult, and we are ready for the challenge.”
Two Arsenal players suffered muscle injuries during the match, but Arteta does not believe the problems are serious. The team faces Atlético Madrid in the Champions League semi-final first leg on Wednesday.
“We do not think the injuries are too bad,” he said. “We will wait to see if they can play against Atlético.”