Arteta Blames ‘Clear and Obvious’ Decisions for Arsenal’s Loss to Aston Villa

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Mikel Arteta suggested that Arsenal’s potential late equalizer in the 1-0 loss to Aston Villa was thwarted by “clear and evident” officiating errors on Saturday night.

Despite threats from the Gunners, John McGinn’s early goal secured another deserved victory for Villa.

A disallowed Kai Havertz goal, flagged for handball, added controversy, with replays revealing contact with Havertz’s hand before the ball found the net. FA rules stipulate that scoring immediately after accidental handball is an offense.

After the match, Arteta, who was serving a touchline ban and watched from the stands at Villa Park, refrained from commenting, stating to Sky Sports: “I prefer not to comment.

In his post-match press conference, he expressed his disappointment with the result, particularly given the team’s performance.

rteta expressed dissatisfaction with a decision not to penalize Douglas Luiz for a clash with Gabriel Jesus in the penalty area, which he deemed “even clearer.”

He continued: “Clear and obvious. Clear and obvious. That’s what I mean. “That’s my opinion, that’s all I can say.”

Arteta is awaiting a verdict from the FA over comments made after Arsenal’s defeat at Newcastle in early November. He criticized an “embarrassing” VAR decision that led to his side’s 1-0 loss at St James’ Park.

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