Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was not impressed that Newcastle United goalkeeper Nick Pope was not sent off against the Gunners on Saturday evening.
Despite picking up three points, Arteta was disgruntled that referee Sam Barrott chose to only show Pope a yellow card after he clattered into Viktor Gyokeres. The Sweden international may have been through on goal if not taken out, although Malick Thiaw was providing cover.
Barrott brandished a yellow card but VAR did look at the incident. The Premier League Match centre statement read: “The referee’s call of yellow card to Pope was checked and confirmed by VAR – with it deemed that he did not deny an obvious goal scoring opportunity (DOGSO) due to the close proximity of a Newcastle defender, who had the possibility to claim possession of the ball.”
Mikel Arteta frustrated by Nick Pope yellow card
Arteta praised his side following the win but did not mince his words about that incident. Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: “There is obviously a really debatable no-red card for the second time in two games. Against Manchester City, we should have played against 10 men.
“I just watched it back and, for me, it’s clear. If that happens with Pope inside the goal and the defender is outside, it’s a red card.”
Arsenal legend Paul Merson then chimed in with his thoughts, shutting down the Gunners manager. He said: “Personally, I thought Gyokeres stopped, that’s why he didn’t get sent off. When the ball goes over, he thinks Pope is going to clear it. He misses it and goes again.”
A frustrated Arteta looked bemused by the pundit. The Arsenal manager replied: “He stops the trajectory of the run and the speed.”
Paul Merson sides with Newcastle United goalkeeper
Magpies boss Eddie Howe handed Pope his first start in the league since the 3-2 defeat to Everton at the end of February. The former Burnley man had little chance of stopping the Arsenal goal, which was brilliantly rifled in by Eberechi Eze.
When analysing the potential sending off in greater detail, Merson said: “If you watch, he stops. That’s why. He gives up because he thinks Pope is going to get the ball.
“I don’t personally think that’s a stonewall sending off. It’s not clear and obvious. Gyokeres has a lot to do, he’s not going to get there and roll it in the net.”
In other news, Newcastle United Player Ratings: ‘Poor’ 3/10 and ‘frazzled’ 4 as Arsenal edge win.
