Michael Owen has sided against Arsenal in the aftermath of their clash with Manchester City.
There were plenty of contentious moments in Arsenal’s recent 2-2 draw against Manchester City.
Referee Michael Oliver has been under the microscope in the wake of the game. Both sides came out of the clash with frustrations about the official.
At one stage in the game, Pep Guardiola aimed a kick at a chair in anger as Riccardo Calafiori’s goal was allowed to stand, despite complaints that the Gunners had not taken the initial free kick from the correct place and Kyle Walker hadn’t been given chance to prepare himself.
Meanwhile, Mikel Arteta had his own frustrations. Leandro Trossard was sent off for delaying a restart on the stroke of half-time, leaving the Gunners with just ten men for more than half the match. Arteta made his feelings about the decision clear after the final whistle.
This was certainly a match that was hugely influenced by the referee. Ahead of the game, Arsenal fans expressed their concerns about Oliver, and will certainly now feel that their fears were justified.
Michael Owen takes aim at Arsenal after Manchester City clash
However, former England striker Michael Owen does not share Arsenal’s point of view on how Oliver handled this match.
Taking to X, the pundit gave his verdict on the referee’s performance.
He said: “Great game yesterday but Arteta’s reaction and comments after were poor yet again. It was a certain red card for Trossard. The only team hard done by was City as Michael Oliver allowed the game to restart a couple of seconds too early in the lead up to Arsenal’s equaliser.”
Clearly, the ex-Liverpool man has little sympathy for the North London club.
Mikel Arteta must focus on positives after Man City vs Arsenal
Despite having conceded an equaliser right at the death against Manchester City, seeing victory torn away from them at the last, the Gunners still ought to be proud of their efforts at the Etihad Stadium.
Micah Richards praised the Arsenal defence, and they showed remarkable resilience to hold the hosts at bay whilst outnumbered for so long. Arteta will certainly feel that his side would have won the match had they kept all their players on the pitch.
This proves that the difference between the two sides is now incredibly slim ahead of what looks set to be another close run title race.
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