Arsenal manager, Mikel Arteta has reacted to the contentious decisions that cost Arsenal a penalty and a late goal in their 1-0 defeat to Aston Villa, repeatedly emphasizing the phrase “clear and obvious” when pressed for his opinion.
Referee Jared Gillett and VAR opted not to award Arsenal a penalty in the 47th minute when Gabriel Jesus fell under Douglas Luiz’s challenge in the box during a eventful second half.
Additionally, in the dying moments of the game, Kai Havertz appeared to level the score at 1-1 with a late goal, only for referee Gillett to penalize the Arsenal midfielder for handball. Replays suggested the ball grazed Havertz’s hand before he nudged it into the net.
Arteta, speaking to Sky Sports, chose a measured response, stating, “I prefer not to comment,” while conceding that the penalty decision was “even clearer” than the Havertz handball. In his post-match press conference, Arteta maintained his stance, reiterating, “Clear and obvious. Clear and obvious. That’s what I mean. That’s my opinion. That’s all I can say.”
Recall that Wuzup Nigeria reported that Arteta is currently under scrutiny from the FA for his outspoken criticism of a decision in a previous match.
Furthermore, the Arsenal manager was serving a touchline ban during the Villa Park clash after receiving his third yellow card of the season away at Luton in midweek.
