Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta calls out the match referee after losing in the North London derby against Tottenham

 

Arsenal suffered a heavy 3-0 defeat against arch-rivals Tottenham Hotspur in a crucial battle for the top four spots in the Premier League. However, after the match, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta was furious with the match referee Paul Tierney as there were a few controversial calls that went against them.

Spurs were awarded a 21st-minute penalty when Cedric Soares barged into Heung-min Son as he tried to defend a cross. Harry Kane made no mistake in the subsequent spot-kick as he sent Spurs ahead in the game.

The night went bad to worse when defender Rob Holding was sent off for two back to back yellow cards in quick succession. A lot of people felt that it was harsh from Tierney to dish out yellow cards so quickly for two consecutive incidents. Arsenal going a man down gave Spurs the advantage and Harry Kane once again stepped up as he headed in a corner to double the lead.

Antonio Conte’s men went into the halftime with a 2-0 scoreline and right after the break Son added more misery by scoring the third goal and helping Spurs seal th match as the Lillywhites reach within a point of Arsenal in the Premier League standings.

After the full-time whistle, Mikel Arteta was furious with the referee as he was ready to take fines for speaking ill about him or calling him out during the post-match press conference. Speaking about Paul Tierney’s decision making, Arteta said, “If I say what I think I am suspended for six months. I don’t know how to lie so I prefer not to say what I think.”

The Spaniard then shared how he is proud of his players as he thought they were not part of the problem. He in fact wants the referees to come on camera and explain the decisions that they took on the field. “I am not unhappy with my players. I am proud of my players. I want the referees to come in front of the camera and explain his decisions. It’s a shame because such a beautiful game was destroyed today.”

“The decision was made. We can’t change it. The referee has to make a decision in football,” Arteta lashed out at the referees.

This was a great chance for the Gunners to secure a place in the top four of the Premier League but they missed it. So now they will have to seal it in their next Premier League clash against Newcastle United.