How long has it been since the controversy over the PL decision emerged?… “Kovačić was 100% sent off” Criticism from Arsenal

Following Luis Diaz’s offside error in the last round, the decision was on the chopping block again.

Arsenal recorded a 1-0 win over Manchester City in the 8th round of the 2023-24 Premier League (PL) season held at the Emirates Stadium in London, England at 12:30 am (Korean time) on the 9th. As a result, Arsenal continued their 8-game undefeated streak and rose to second place in the league after Tottenham Hotspur.메이저사이트

At the beginning of the game, Manchester City pressed from a high position and looked for opportunities. The pressure was successful. David Raya made a mistake while building up from the back and Arsenal were shaken. However, Man City was unable to open the goal. Gabriel Magaliens and William Saliba showed impeccable defense. The first half ended 0-0 with no goals scored.

As the second half began, Arsenal brought out the substitution card. Leandro Trossar was removed and Gabriel Martinelli was brought in. Arsenal took the lead in the attack, but were unable to break through Man City’s defense. Both teams showed solid defense and did not easily give the opponent a chance.

The two teams that needed to score made changes. In the 23rd minute of the second half, Manchester City added John Stones, Jeremy Doku, and Mateus Nunes. Arsenal brought on Thomas Partey, Kai Havertz, and Takehiro Tomiyasu in the 30th minute of the second half. Arsenal’s mercenary skills were spot on. Partey attempted a long kick forward near the halfway line, and Tomiyas hit Havertz with his head. Martinelli received a pass from Havertz, hit a shot, and scored a goal after being deflected. In the end, the game ended with Arsenal winning 1-0.

Recently, the refereeing body (PGMOL) made a decision to explain a mistake. In the match between Tottenham and Liverpool, Dias scored the first goal, but was flagged for offside. However, Dias’ position was onside and it was a mistake due to a communication error with VAR. Liverpool lost 1-2 to Tottenham. If Diaz’s first goal had been recognized, the game might have changed differently. Following the last round, controversy arose again regarding the decision.

The controversial scene occurred in the first half. In the 29th minute of the first half, Mateo Kovacic fouled Martin Odegaard and received a yellow card. Referee Michael Oliver did a video review (VAR) and the color of the card did not change. In the 35th minute of the first half, Kovacic attempted a dangerous tackle on Declan Rice. The sole of Kovacic’s foot pointed directly at Rice’s ankle, but the referee did not issue a warning or call a foul.

If Kovacic had been sent off for accumulating yellow cards, Arsenal could have made the game easier. However, referee Oliver firmly ruled that it was not a foul on Kovacic. Fortunately, there were no disadvantages to the decision as Arsenal won against Manchester City.

Alex Crook, who works for the British media ‘Talk Sports’, said, “Arsenal fans will be dissatisfied with the decision. Kovacic’s tackle did not reach the ball. It was a clear warning play. It was a complete misjudgment by referee Oliver.”

Perry Groves, who made more than 200 appearances for Arsenal, said: “100% it was a second yellow card. I’m a huge fan of referee Oliver, but his decision was wrong.” Currently, the PL is the league receiving the most attention worldwide. The capital is large and the players are talented. However, controversy over the referees’ decisions continues. In order to create a good game that lives up to its reputation, more attention must be paid to judging.