As the Premier League gears up for a championship showdown between Arsenal and Manchester City this Sunday, all eyes will be on the match officials. Following a contentious draw between Manchester City and Liverpool in the penultimate Premier League fixture before the international break, where questionable refereeing calls abounded, the spotlight on officiating has intensified.
Liverpool supporters were particularly aggrieved by a missed penalty call in the 94th minute of the match, adding fuel to the fire of refereeing controversies this season. Arsenal, too, has felt the sting of contentious decisions costing them crucial points, prompting vocal criticism from manager Mikel Arteta directed at FA and Premier League officials.
With Arteta’s dissatisfaction simmering, the appointment of Jarred Gillet as the video assistant referee for the upcoming clash adds another layer of scrutiny. Meanwhile, Anthony Taylor, who boasts a winning record with Arsenal this season despite facing tough opponents like Manchester United and Liverpool, will be officiating on the field.
The controversy doesn’t stop there. The cancellation of a penalty awarded to Kai Havertz during a recent match, with Gillet serving as the fourth official, only adds to the apprehension surrounding refereeing decisions. In the Liverpool game, Taylor’s decision to blow the final whistle just as Leandro Trossard was poised to score further irked Arsenal supporters.
Considering the history of contentious calls, particularly involving Gillet, Arsenal enters the match with a heightened sense of vigilance. The stage is set for a high-stakes showdown where every decision will be scrutinised under the brightest of spotlights.
Arsenal will face Manchester City at the Etihad
With Sunday’s Premier League championship showdown looming, all eyes are fixed on the match officials, anticipating a clash between Arsenal and Manchester City that promises intense scrutiny. In the nail-biting draw between Manchester City and Liverpool in the penultimate Premier League fixture, the field was rife with questionable refereeing calls, leaving Liverpool fans clamoring for a penalty that never came in the 94th minute.
Arsenal, too, has borne the brunt of contentious decisions this season, resulting in lost points and sparking heated exchanges between manager Mikel Arteta and league officials. As preparations for the pivotal match intensify, Arteta’s dissatisfaction with the Premier League’s refereeing choices looms large.
Jarred Gillet is slated to take on the crucial role of video assistant referee, adding an extra layer of tension to the proceedings. Despite facing formidable opponents like Manchester United and Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium, Anthony Taylor boasts a winning record with Arsenal this season, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the uncertainty.
Controversy time:
The controversy surrounding refereeing decisions shows no signs of abating, with the recent cancellation of a penalty awarded to Kai Havertz stirring further debate. In a previous match against United, Gillet’s presence as the fourth official only fueled Arsenal’s apprehension.
In the midst of it all, Taylor’s decision to prematurely end play during the Liverpool game, just as Leandro Trossard was poised to strike, left Arsenal supporters fuming. As the match approaches, Arsenal will proceed with caution, mindful of Gillet’s track record against them. With tensions running high and the stakes higher than ever, Sunday’s clash promises to be a spectacle fueled by passion, controversy, and the relentless pursuit of victory.
When was the last time Arsenal beat Manchester City at the Etihad?
Back in January 2015, Arsenal secured a memorable 2-0 victory against Manchester City with goals from Santi Cazorla and Olivier Giroud. The win was a significant upset, considering City’s 12-game unbeaten streak leading into the match. Moreover, Arsenal hadn’t tasted victory at the Etihad since 2010, adding to the challenge. Heading into the clash, Arsene Wenger’s side was facing a lackluster season, languishing in sixth place behind rivals like Tottenham and Southampton. However, the triumph against City injected a much-needed boost of confidence and served as a reminder of Arsenal’s ability to rise to the occasion when it mattered most.
In past clashes between Arsenal and Manchester City, referees have often been accused of favoring the latter, stirring up controversy and frustration among Arsenal fans. Whether it’s dubious penalty decisions or questionable calls, there’s a prevailing sentiment that the scales have tipped in City’s favor. Now, with the appointment of Manchester-born Anthony Taylor as the referee for the upcoming match, tensions are at an all-time high. Taylor’s hometown connection adds an extra layer of scrutiny and suspicion, fueling speculation about potential bias. Arsenal supporters are understandably apprehensive, fearing that past injustices may repeat themselves on the field. As the showdown approaches, the spotlight on refereeing decisions intensifies, setting the stage for a clash rife with drama and anticipation.
