It feels weird losing away at Bournemouth; it's almost as strange as a defeat at Brentford back in the TV documentary days.
Let's be honest: it wasn't a great performance, but it was one that would have been normally enough to earn a share of the spoils. Instead of that, it was VAR and the beaming referee earning their share of the limelight.
The game hinged on the decision to send Saliba off. It was a borderline red card: not 'clear and obvious' by any means. However, this was Arsenal facing punishment, so VAR overturned what looked like a yellow card decision in real time to make it a last man situation, even though Ben White was probably in line and could and would have certainly made up the ground to make sure it was not a one-on-one had Saliba not infringed. It was a diabolical decision, but Arsenal players know these rules will not be applied to other top clubs, so they have to be squeaky clean.
However, what the normally-sensible Saliba was doing beggars belief. He should have kept his hands off the opponent. He must remember in future that he plays for Arsenal. He doesn't play for one of the teams that get VAR decisions go their way so, if in doubt, don't foul.
It was a terrible mistake, but I don't think it will cost Arsenal the title. Maybe it will strengthen their chances, as this kind of injustice can help develop the kind of siege mentality developed under George Graham, which resulted in league title success.
Saliba's mistake was compounded by Arteta's, in bringing on Kiwior. Taking off Sterling was probably not the best thing to do, seeing as the Chelsea loanee was not the least involved. If anyone had to be withdrawn so early on, it was Trossard, who was almost anonymous throughout.
The rest of the team weren't much better, actually, but it was Kiwior's underhit pass that ended the contest by gifting Bournemouth their second goal which killed the game.
Meanwhile, VAR and the referee should be congratulated for not sending off more players. Raya conceded a penalty, when the amount of physical contact was minimal to the point of being non-existent. Based on the poor decision-making and the lack of a bird or devil on the crest, I thought it was must be a red card offence even without contact. After all, Arsenal should be punished for imagined offences, if no actual ones occur. It's all part of VAR's grand plan to ensure the title remains in the north, it seems.
Perhaps Arsenal should field ten men instead of eleven from the start to protest against the officiating, which has beyond a joke and totally unfair, especially this season.
Nevertheless, there's no getting away from the fact that without Saka, Arsenal looked toothless.
The best Arsenal could have earned was a draw and even super-reliable Raya was error-prone.
Partey was solid, as was skipper-for-the-day Gabriel, but most of the others were under Par-tey.
The same people who predicted Arsenal would win the league are now saying they've blown it. Strangely, I think they've got more chance now. The Gunners are built of sterner stuff than many realise. I fully expect them to beat Liverpool on the back of this defeat: that's how Arsenal roll!
No comments:
Post a Comment