Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino appeared to accidentally call out Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta after the Spanish coach’s VAR rant over the weekend.
What Did Arteta Say About VAR?
Mikel Arteta’s comments came after VAR failed to disallow Anthony Gordon’s winning goal for Newcastle United against Arsenal, despite the ball appearing to roll out of play and a possible foul on Gabriel in the build-up.
Speaking to BBC’s Match of the Day, the former Arsenal captain said: “Embarrassing what happened. How this goal stands in the Premier League – this league we say is the best in the world. I’ve been 20 years in this country and now I feel ashamed. It’s a disgrace. There’s too much at stake here.”
Elaborating on his comments, Arteta said: “Because it’s not a goal for many reasons; it’s not a goal, for more than one reason at least. It’s not a goal and it’s too much at stake here. We put in so much effort, it’s so difficult to compete at this level, and it’s an absolute disgrace.”
According to Mail Sport, Arsenal are compiling a list of decisions that have gone against them in recent times, which includes Mateo Kovacic avoiding red at the Emirates and Gabriel Martinelli’s disallowed opening goal against Manchester United last season.
🚨❗️ Pochettino: “Too many coaches wanted VAR… and now, when it’s against you: ah, no! It’s a disgrace, it’s difficult!”.
“I’m not talking about Arteta, eh…”.
🎥 @BeanymanSports pic.twitter.com/xKi8SoiP7P
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) November 7, 2023
What Did Pochettino Say About VAR And Arteta?
Chelsea manager Pochettino waded into the VAR debate following his side’s 4-1 away victory against bitter rivals Tottenham Hotspur, in which VAR once again took centre stage.
Speaking on the incidents during the match, the Argentinian said: “Too many coaches wanted VAR. Then when it’s against you… ah, it’s a disgrace! It’s difficult.”
Quickly realising his comment could be misconstrued as a thinly veiled dig at his former PSG teammate, the ex-Spurs boss continued: “I’m not talking about Arteta.”
Chelsea’s victory over Spurs sees the west London club move into the top half of the table, while Arsenal’s 1-0 loss to Newcastle sees them drop down to fourth – three points off top spot.
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