Mikel Arteta has launched a scathing critique of refereeing decisions following Arsenal’s 1-0 victory over Newcastle United at the Emirates Stadium, claiming two crucial incidents in consecutive games warranted red cards.
Red card controversy
Arteta argued that Abdukodir Khusanov should have been sent off during Manchester City’s 2-1 win over Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium last Sunday. The Arsenal manager believes the City defender committed a last-man foul on Kai Havertz in the 53rd minute with the score at 1-1. Despite the incident drawing little post-match debate, Arteta insists it would have altered the title race had City been reduced to 10 men.
He reiterated those frustrations after Saturday’s win, when he felt Newcastle goalkeeper Nick Pope should also have been dismissed. With Arsenal leading 1-0 in the 74th minute, Pope raced out of his area to clear but missed the ball and clipped substitute Viktor Gyökeres. Although Malick Thiaw was nearby and goal remained covered, the on-field referee issued only a yellow card. The VAR reviewed the incident but determined there was insufficient grounds for a red.
"It’s a clear red card"
"It’s a clear red card," Arteta said. "I’ve watched it 10 times. If you have ever played football, it is a red card. It’s the second time in two games because I guess Manchester City, when Kai Havertz goes through, Khusanov fouls him, 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: "You talk to any of the players, because the trajectory of where the ball is, there’s no keeper there. If that were to happen the other way around, it’s a red card. 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."
Belief in the build-up
The only goal of the game came from Eberechi Eze, who struck after Arsenal worked a short corner for the third time in quick succession. The home crowd had groaned at the repetition, but Arteta praised his players’ conviction. "When the teams are so physical that they can defend naturally, you have to find other ways," he said. "The thing that I like best is the courage of the players because we play short and you can see the reaction in the crowd. On the third one … courage, big courage. That’s exactly what I want for the team."
Champions League and injury updates
Arteta acknowledged the pressure of chasing Arsenal’s first league title since 2004, saying: "I don’t expect, after 22 years of not winning it, that it’s going to be a path of roses and beautiful music around it. It’s going to be like this and we are ready for it."
Eze and Havertz were both substituted with muscle issues, but Arteta downplayed the severity. "We don’t think it’s too much," he said. "We have to wait and see if they’re going to be available for Wednesday" ahead of the Champions League semi-final first leg at Atlético Madrid.