Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has aimed a cheeky dig at PGMOL and the Premier League referees, stating that he knows how his players can avoid red cards in the future.
The Gunners were reduced to 10 men as the referee decided to hand a second yellow to Leandro Trossard for kicking the ball away just before halftime. The away side dug in defensively, displaying defensive excellence and made sure they secure at least a point at the Etihad.
Mikel Arteta unhappy with PGMOL’s treatment
Mikel Arteta was not happy with the red card incident surrounding Trossard. The manner in which the Belgian was sent off was similar to the marching orders given to midfielder Declan Rice vs Brighton and Hove Albion in the Premier League.
Both were dismissed for wasting time, but many deemed this decision harsh, as it seemed too soft for a red. Rice was dismissed for rolling the ball away during the Brighton free kick, with match official Chris Kavanagh admitting that he had no choice but to offer a second yellow.
Similarly, Leandro Trossard was found guilty of kicking the ball away after referee Michael Oliver blew the whistle for his foul on Manchester City player Bernardo Silva.
Manager Mikel Arteta was unhappy with the inconsistent decisions against his players and the PGMOL’s lack of action towards the same. The Spaniard gave a hilarious yet sarcastic response, stating that his men will play without the ball to avoid another red.
Speaking to Sky Sports media before the Gunner’s next clash against Bolton Wanderers, interviewer quizzed: “Have you had to remind your players not to kick the ball away in future?”
Arteta: “For passing the ball you mean? I think so. Don’t touch the ball, we’ll play without the ball!”
“Don’t touch the ball, we’ll play without the ball” 🤣 pic.twitter.com/inYoFmmQXc
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) September 24, 2024
The critics pointed out that Arsenal wasted time in several PL games, with the average delay being 42.7 seconds against Man City and 41.1 seconds against Brighton (second and third most this season). It is also said that they spent a total of nine minutes and four seconds on goal-kicks vs. City.
PL officials continue to make unreasonable mistakes
We believe that both red card incidents were very soft, and other players weren’t shown a card for delaying set-pieces and kicking the ball away in the same match. Jeremy Doku hit the ball away during an Arsenal move.
Erling Haaland threw the ball at Gabriel Maghalaes, hitting the back of his head, and he purposely collided with Thomas Partey, starting a dispute between the players.
On all these occasions, referee Oliver didn’t even care to entertain the matter, and the City player escaped without a booking. Man United legend Peter Schmeichel ripped apart Oliver for making decisions based on his interest and making himself the centre of attraction throughout the game.
🚨 Several angry Premier League clubs are set to put the heat on the referees’ chief Howard Webb over what they claim is a series of mistakes by officials this season.
(Source: @TimesSport) pic.twitter.com/7PssMftk4F
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) September 24, 2024
Unfortunate times for Arsenal, as they find themselves on the receiving end of some questionable decisions by match officials. It remains to be seen if they continue to face the same fate or if PGMOL becomes more attentive to the Gunners’ issues from the next league game.
We hope that the referees won’t trouble them again when they face Bolton Wanderers in the third-round tie of the EFL Cup on Wednesday.
