Mikel Arteta debunks claims referees and VAR have conspiracy against Arsenal after flurry of controversial decisions
MIKEL ARTETA has rejected claims that Premier League referees have a conspiracy against Arsenal.
The Gunners have been on the wrong end of some controversial decisions this season.
Both Declan Rice and Leandro Trossard saw red for delaying the restart of play against Brighton and Manchester City respectively.
And William Saliba was sent off for denying Bournemouth an “obvious” goal-scoring opportunity – despite fouling Evanilson on the edge of the centre circle.
Many fans also slammed referee Anthony Taylor after he denied the Gunners a potential late winner against Liverpool on Sunday.
However, Arsenal boss Arteta is not willing to entertain any conspiracy theories that suggest Prem officials are intentionally out to sabotage his team.
Asked about the suggestions in a press conference today, the Spaniard insisted: “No, because every club has got its history and they have games and situations and comments.
“That is part of the game and we have to understand it as it is. Every decision I make I am going to be criticised, or nobody is going to understand or they will understand and praise it.
“There are always going to be opinions about our jobs, that’s normal.”
Arteta lambasted officials following his team’s 1-0 defeat to Newcastle last season.
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Arsenal ratings vs Preston
ARSENAL cruised through their Carabao Cup tie at Preston.
The Gunners won 3-0 to set up a home tie against Crystal Palace in the next round.
Sun Sport’s Sam Dymond reveals who has done enough to feature in the quarter final – and who might be a bit worried.
Tommy Setford – 6
A clean sheet on debut for the teenager. After a quiet first half, he looked nervous when put under pressure by Preston’s forward.
Jurrien Timber – 7
Really looking the part in the Arsenal defence after injury. His crosses caused chaos before being replaced at half-time
William Saliba – 7
Settled back into the side after suspension, and was rarely troubled on a night where he continually swept up possession.
Jakub Kiwior – 8
Partnered Saliba admirably in defence, but showed his attacking worth by providing two assists.
Oleksandr Zinchenko – 7
A solid display before his removal on the hour, perhaps with one eye on the weekend.
Jorginho – 7
Kept things moving in midfield, and even showed off some sublime skill when the opportunity arose.
Mikel Merino – 7
A much more confident performance from the Spaniard following his goal on Sunday. Combined well with Martinelli and Nwaneri during the opening 45 minutes.
Ethan Nwaneri – 9
Serenaded by the Arsenal fans as ‘one of their own’, this talented teenager once again excited Gooners everywhere.
The scorer of one sublime strike, he came so close to bagging a second goal too.
Raheem Sterling – 7
The Carabao Cup king did everything but score. Perhaps let down by his decision making, he’s looking more at home at Arsenal than he ever did at Chelsea.
Gabriel Jesus – 8
Constantly alive to the ball inside the box, he was rewarded with a first goal since January to get the scoring underway.
Gabriel Martinelli – 8
Often Arsenal’s biggest attacking threat with his direct running and ability to beat defenders. Replaced after taking a couple of heavy knocks.
Subs
Thomas Partey – 6
Replaced Timber at the break and once again did the job asked of him with few complaints.
Kai Havertz – 8
Scored a superb header shortly after his arrival as a half-time sub, and was an imposing figure in both penalty areas.
Bukayo Saka – 6
More minutes in the legs for the Arsenal star as he continues the recovery from his hamstring injury.
Myles Lewis-Skelly – 6
Misplaced a couple of passes after his introduction, but fits in well among the first-team squad.
Ayden Heaven – 6
Offered a glimpse of genuine pace as he made his senior debut for the final ten minutes.
He branded the decision to award Anthony Gordon‘s controversial winner a “disgrace” and “embarrassing”.
However, the 42-year-old has let go of the grudge ahead of this weekend’s meeting with the Magpies.
Questioned about his row with the PGMOL, he said: “No, hopefully we are past it.
“We talked through it in depth and that’s done. It is a year. A year in football is a long, long time.”
Former Tottenham midfielder Jamie O’Hara recently berated Arsenal fans for their suggestion that officials are against them.
He told Grosvenor Sport: “Arsenal fans need to stop moaning, there’s no referee conspiracy against them.
“There’s no match official going, ‘yeah let’s stitch up Arsenal’. You get some decisions, and you don’t get some decisions – that is football.
“You can’t argue against the red cards that they’ve received. By the rules, they’ve all been dealt with correctly.
“William Saliba’s against Bournemouth was a last man foul; Leandro Trossard kicked the ball away at the Etihad and Declan Rice did the same against Brighton!
“You can’t get away from that, so to say there’s a conspiracy against them is nonsense.
“It might be harsh but that’s just football. Look at the penalty Manchester United conceded to West Ham last weekend, are you telling me there’s a conspiracy against United?
“Are United out saying there’s a conspiracy against them? It happens every game and it happens to every team, get on with it Arsenal. Just deal with it and win the game.”