Arteta praises referee and VAR for decision to send off Fabio Vieira

Coach Mikel Arteta believes that referee Michael Oliver and the VAR team were correct in giving Fabio Vieira a straight red card at the end of the 3-1 win over Burnley in round 12 of the Premier League.

In the 59th minute, Vieira replaced Kai Havertz, who had been playing poorly since the start of the match. But the Portuguese midfielder also failed to make any impact, before tackling Josh Brownhill with his cleats and receiving a straight red card in the 83rd minute. VAR did not intervene to overturn the decision of the main referee Oliver.

When asked about this after the match at the Emirates Stadium, Arteta replied: "Thank you for asking. VAR, the referee was right. That decision was really correct. It's positive for Arteta to say so positively. The refereeing team did a very good job in this match."

Coach Arteta in the match between Arsenal and Burnley in round 12 of the Premier League. Photo: Reuters — Coach Arteta in the match between Arsenal and Burnley in round 12 of the Premier League. Photo: *Reuters*

Arteta's statement contrasts with the tensions he aimed at the referee and VAR after the 0-1 loss at Newcastle in round 11. At that time, the Spanish coach affirmed that there was more than one reason why Anthony Gordon's goal for Newcastle was invalid, and called VAR's recognition of this goal a "disgraceful decision".

At the Emirates yesterday, Arsenal dominated but had to wait until the 45th minute to open the scoring thanks to a powerful header from Leandro Trossard. In the second half, after Josh Brownhill equalized from a messy situation in the penalty area, the "Gunners" scored two goals from corner kicks thanks to William Saliba and Oleksandr Zinchenko to win 3-1.

Arteta said Arsenal fully deserved the three points. The Spaniard said he wanted Arsenal to score more from set pieces as opponents often sat deep, and was pleased with the two goals from corners. He also said Saliba had tried to improve his aerial ability when joining the attack recently, and was rewarded with a goal against Burnley.

The kick caused Viera to be sent off. Photo: Reuters — The kick caused Viera to be sent off. Photo: *Reuters*

In the opening goal, Trossard bravely headed the ball at high speed, causing a collision with the post and having to sit on the ground for a while before returning to play. This was also the 1,000th goal scored by the home team at the Emirates Stadium. "It's a beautiful number and I'm happy for Trossard," Arteta said. "No matter what position he plays, Trossard always connects well with his teammates and is a constant threat. He moves in space in ways that attract opponents and create space and options for his teammates. So I'm really pleased."

The win keeps Arsenal unbeaten in their last 38 home games against Premier League newcomers (33 wins, 5 draws). They have 27 points after 12 games, equal on points but have played one more game than Man City - the team that plays later in the round against Chelsea. Satisfied with the result, Arteta admitted he wanted Arsenal to be top before the international break. He revealed that he will stay in London to rest with family and friends in the coming days.

On November 25, Arsenal returns with a trip to Brentford in round 13 of the Premier League. Four days later, Arteta and his team will host Lens in round four of Group B of the Champions League. If they win, the London team will be sure to continue as the top team.

Hong Duy

Source link