‘If I say what I think I am suspended for six months’


Friday, May 13, 2022 at 07:05• Mart Oude Nijeweeme • Last update: 07:11

Arsenal did themselves a disservice on Thursday evening in the battle for Champions League tickets. Mikel Arteta’s team went to visit Tottenham Hotspur with a 3-0 loss, leaving the gap with the arch-rival with two games on the program only one point. Tipping point in the match was the red card for Rob Holding. The defender was booked twice in a time frame of seven minutes and was able to push in after more than half an hour.

Arsenal were trailing 1-0 at the time of Holding’s red card due to a utilized penalty from Harry Kane after a foul by Cédric Soares. Paul Tierney’s decisions left Arteta furious after the game. So much so, that the Spanish coach accused the referee of ‘destroying a wonderful match’. Arteta, however, refused to criticize the arbiter’s performance outright. He insisted that he would be suspended for a long time if he passed judgment on some of Tierney’s decisions.

“I can’t say what I think, then I’ll be banned for six months. I don’t know how to lie, so I’d rather not say what I think. I can’t say that,” Arteta said. Sky Sports† When the reporter then asked if he blamed his players, Arteta expressed his emotions. “I’m not unhappy with my players. I’m really proud of my players. I want the umpires to come in front of the camera and explain their decisions. It’s a shame because today they ruined a great game.”

Arteta’s tirade drew many similarities to an interview by José Mourinho. The Portuguese once hilariously insisted during his time at Chelsea that he could not comment on the game and repeated several times: ‘When I talk I have big problems’. Despite the painful defeat to Tottenham, Arsenal are still in control of grabbing their last Champions League ticket. The Gunners take on Newcastle United (away) and Everton (home) in the two remaining games, while Tottenham still face Burnley (home) and the already relegated Norwich City (away).

Antonio Conte believes that Arteta should not be appointed. After the city derby won, the Italian couldn’t resist throwing a sneer at his colleague. “He is a very good coach and can become a top trainer in the future, but in six months I have heard him complain a lot,” Conte said. Sky Sports† “I think he should focus more on his team and not complain. He should calm down and continue with his work because that is very good. But a coach who complains a lot is not good. For me it was a clear Red card.”