Mikel Arteta was terribly disappointed as Arsenal went down to Everton and further damaged their chances of a top-four spot and a place in the Champions League in the coming season.
The home team had their chances after the break but blew it. They also had a penalty disallowed after VAR reviews. They finally went down to an own goal gifted by keeper Leno. The visitors went home with full points and the Gunners have gone down seven times this season.
Arsenal Lacked The Finishing
Arteta believes his team was better but lacked the edge to finish off the game. Arsenal was not there in the final part of the pitch, he feels. And it was awful to concede in the 76th minute.
Arteta was also scathing about the decisions. He attacked the referee for reversing the penalty decision. He first awarded one as Dani Ceballos was tripped but reversed his decision as recording revealed that Nicholas Pepe had been offside 8 to 9 moves before the foul.
He was furious that a penalty was disallowed for something that happened much before. There had been 8-9 touches in between. He wanted an explanation for the zero control of the game.
Arsenal Fans Furious For Super League Debacle
The match was preceded by a protest at the Etihad. Fans demanded the ouster of Owner, American Stan Kroenke. There was palpable anger at Kroenke’s part in the Super League debacle. All six English clubs have since decided to go back on their decision to join the breakaway league.
Arteta thought the protests before the game did not influence the game. The team had been prepared for it. They had lost because they failed to score, though they had their chances.
Everton Delighted At Win
Ancelotti was thrilled at the win. It had taken 25 years for them to defeat Arsenal. And the win has also ended a 5-game winless streak. It was an incredible gift for the fans, he said. He says that they are back after the win over Arsenal. It was a good performance, though it wasn’t their best, he felt. Everton is a point behind Liverpool at eighth, and three behind Chelsea, who are at fourth.
