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Mikel Arteta has launched a scathing attack on referee decisions following Arsenal’s 1-0 victory over Newcastle, claiming two red cards should have been awarded in recent matches that could have changed the Premier League title race.
The Arsenal manager was particularly critical of Newcastle goalkeeper Nick Pope’s challenge on substitute Viktor Gyökeres in the 74th minute, insisting it warranted a sending off despite the referee only showing a yellow card.
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“It’s a clear red card,” Arteta said after the match. “I’ve watched it 10 times. If you have ever played football, it is a red card.”
Pope had rushed out of his area to clear but missed the ball entirely, catching Gyökeres with his follow-through. While Newcastle had Malick Thiaw covering, VAR reviewed the incident but decided against upgrading the yellow card.
Arteta also referenced last Sunday’s crucial 2-1 defeat to Manchester City, claiming Abdukodir Khusanov should have been dismissed for a foul on Kai Havertz when the score was 1-1.
“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,” he stated. “It’s a red card today. It’s a red card in Manchester and the world is different.”
Eze strike sends Arsenal top
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Despite the controversial decisions, Arsenal secured a vital three points through Eberechi Eze’s early goal, moving three points clear of City at the Premier League summit, though having played one game more.
The winner came from Arsenal’s third corner of the match, with the team unusually working it short for the third consecutive time despite groans from the crowd on the second attempt.
“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,” Arteta explained. “On the third one… courage, big courage.”
Injury concerns ahead of Champions League
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The victory was somewhat overshadowed by muscle injuries to both Eze and Havertz during the match. With Arsenal facing Atlético Madrid in the Champions League semi-final first leg on Wednesday night, Arteta remained cautiously optimistic about their availability.
“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.”
As Arsenal chase their first Premier League title since 2004, Arteta acknowledged the pressure and scrutiny would continue throughout the run-in. “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,” he reflected.
The Gunners now hold a slender advantage in the title race, but with City having a game in hand, every decision and every point will prove crucial in the coming weeks.