Mikel Arteta laments VAR decision to allow Ivan Toney's goal to stand in Arsenal's draw with Brentford
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Updated 11/02/2023 at 22:19 GMT
Arsenal remain top of the table, but passed up a chance to open up a big lead over Manchester City and the chasing pack after being held at home by Brentford in the Premier League on Saturday. Manager Mikel Arteta felt Ivan Toney's equalising goal for the Bees should have been chalked off. The Gunners boss was happy with the display of Leandro Trossard.
Arteta accuses officials of 'changing the rules' for Brentford’s equaliser
Mikel Arteta felt VAR was wrong to allow Ivan Toney’s goal to stand in Arsenal’s draw with Brentford.
Arsenal were looking to bounce back from defeat to Everton last week, and looked on course to do so when January signing Leandro Trossard climbed off the bench to put the Gunners in front.
But the impressive Toney, who was a thorn in the side of the Arsenal defence all day, grabbed a point for Brentford at the Emirates Stadium.
There was a lengthy VAR check before Brentford were allowed to celebrate their equalising goal.
Arteta was unhappy with the decision to allow the goal to stand.
“If we apply what the referees tell us every single week before the games, that as blockers if you are offside you are offside it does not matter the phase, it is offside,” Arteta, who confronted referee Peter Bankes at the final whistle, said.
Arteta felt his side played well to break down Brentford and dominate the game, but was frustrated his players failed to close out the contest.
“I thought we were dominant in the game,” the Gunners boss said. “We got up in the game, had better and better moments. We scored the goal.
"After that I was disappointed as we knew they were going to throw everything at us with direct plays, set-pieces and take the game to that roller-coaster.
“Winning is about small margins. When you win, you win by small margins. But if you cannot win it then you don't lose it. I thought the team still had a good performance today.”
On Trossard’s performance following his first goal for the club, Arteta said: “Really pleased for [Leandro Trossard] and the team because he's a player who can contribute in big moments. I thought he did well today. We could exploit his talent. He is a really brave player when the game is under pressure.”
Up next for Arsenal is a clash with title rivals Manchester City on Wednesday.
“Another big game [against Man City], we know that,” Arteta said. ”We will get ready for that. It will be another big one and another beautiful one."
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