Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino has aimed a subtle dig at Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta as VAR controversies continue to rage after Chelsea’s London Derby victory over league leaders Tottenham.
Mikel Arteta had fumed at the decision of center-referee Stuart Attwell to award a controversial goal by Anthony Gordon to Newcastle United.
Anthony Gordon’s goal was checked for three VAR evidents – a foul on Gabriel by Joelington in the buildup, an offside call on Gordon, the goalscorer, and whether the ball was out of play before being picked up by Joe Willock.
A furious Arteta blasted the decision to award the goal, calling it a disgrace. Arsenal also issued a statement supporting Mikel Arteta and calling the PGMOL to do better as the fans ‘deserves better.’
Two days after Mikel Arteta and Arsenal controversial remarks on Newcastle United’s winner against the Gunners, Chelsea also found themselves amid a VAR row in their heated clash against London neighbors Tottenham Hotspur.
The match saw VAR intervened heavily with two Tottenham players sent off and four goals chalked off.
When asked about the piling VAR decisions in the match, Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino defended the referee and VAR decisions while aiming a slight dig on Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta.
He said;
“Too many managers wanted VAR…And now when its against you: ah, no! It’s a disgrace. It’s difficult.
“I’m not talking about Arteta, eh.”
Mauricio Pochettino directly mentioned Mikel Arteta in his comment and also used the latter’s infamous word ‘disgrace’ to come clear on his point.
While Pochettino ironically said he is not referring to Mikel Arteta, it was obvious he was referring to the Spaniard.
Pochettino led Chelsea to a big win over Tottenham Hotspur in a chaotic London Derby that saw two Tottenham players, Cristian Romero and Destiny Udogie, sent off and four goals ruled out after VAR interventions.
It was Tottenham’s first Premier League defeat this season after a prolific start that has kept them top of the table.
