Mikel Arteta couldn’t contain himself during protests over VAR controversy in the Arsenal vs. Newcastle match a few weeks ago. Now, Arteta is considered to have tarnished the club’s reputation.
In early November 2023, Arsenal visited Newcastle at St. James’ Park. The game was intense, but in the end, Arsenal had to admit defeat. Anthony Gordon scored the only goal for Newcastle (1-0), a goal surrounded by controversy.
The referee had checked the validity of the goal via VAR due to suspicions of a foul in the process. However, in the end, Gordon’s goal was still approved.
It was the VAR decision that infuriated Arteta. He even claimed that the decision was embarrassing. Arteta wondered how such a mistake could occur in a league as prestigious as the Premier League.
Arteta’s comments were indeed harsh, as if he wanted to accuse the referee and Premier League officials of corruption. Such comments cannot be tolerated in the Premier League. Recently, Arteta has been punished by the FA.
“Mikel Arteta has been charged with a violation of FA Rule E3.1 following his comments in a media interview after the Arsenal vs. Newcastle United match in the Premier League on Saturday, November 4.”
“His comments are alleged to be a violation for insulting match officials and/or bringing the game into disrepute and/or damaging the reputation of the game.”
It is unclear what punishment Arsenal and Arteta will receive. However, based on previous cases, Arsenal may have to pay a fine of up to £20,000.
Former Arsenal executive David Dein discussed Arteta’s case. He expressed regret that Arteta’s comments tarnished the club’s reputation. Dein even hinted that Arsenal would have a hard time winning if the goal had not been approved.
“In 101 minutes of the game, we [Arsenal] only recorded one shot on target, so you can’t claim the team deserves to win. That’s the reality,” Dein told talkSPORT.
“There is a process that must be followed for things like this [controversial decisions]. So what he [Arteta] did was a bit unnecessary. It actually tarnished the club’s reputation,” he added.
Martin Odegaard, who has been dealing with a hip injury, has been unable to play for Arsenal in the last three matches. However, Norwegian coach Stale Solbakken has provided positive news about the current condition of the 24-year-old player.
As known, Martin Odegaard was included in the Norway squad during the international break while still nursing an injury. Consequently, he couldn’t play for Stale Solbakken against the Faroe Islands and was eventually dropped from the team.
Odegaard, who couldn’t participate with Norway, naturally raised questions about whether he should return to the treatment room when the Euro 2024 qualifiers end.
Solbakken, who doesn’t want the public to speculate further, stated that Odegaard’s progress is actually positive and there is a possibility that he could return to strengthen Arsenal in the match against Brentford on Sunday (November 26) at 00:30 WIB.
“I just spoke with Martin (Odegaard) for about 45 minutes. His condition is getting better,” Solbakken said, as reported by Goal.
“It’s been about three weeks without specific training sessions, so it’s important for him to take steps gradually. Now, he might be available for the match against Brentford,” he added.
This news is undoubtedly positive for Arteta’s squad, which is currently fighting to stay in the hunt for the Premier League title in the 2023/24 season.
There are new speculations about Thomas Partey’s future at Arsenal. The midfielder is rumored to leave The Gunners and continue his career in Saudi Arabia in 2024.
Thomas Partey has been wearing the Arsenal jersey for three years. Since joining from Atletico Madrid, Thomas Partey has become one of Mikel Arteta’s trusted players.
However, in recent weeks, there have been rumors that Thomas Partey will be released by Arsenal in the upcoming winter transfer window. Mikel Arteta is reported to no longer need the services of the midfielder in The Gunners’ midfield.
Ekrem Konur reports that Thomas Partey is reportedly ready to part ways with Arsenal. He is rumored to continue his career in Saudi Arabia.
According to the report, there are currently two clubs from the Saudi Pro League interested in using Thomas Partey’s services.
The two Saudi teams are Al-Ettifaq and Al-Ahli. Both teams are reportedly very interested in recruiting the midfielder from Arsenal.
They believe that Thomas Partey can make their midfield even more solid. So they want to get the services of the Ghanaian player.
According to the same report, both clubs are in intensive communication with Thomas Partey’s agent.
They are reportedly very serious about wanting to get the services of the midfielder from Arsenal. They have made contract offers with large values to the player.
Partey and his agent are currently studying the offers from both clubs. They will soon give an answer to where the midfielder will land.
Arsenal itself is reportedly ready to part ways with the midfielder in the upcoming winter season.
The Gunners hope to get around €35 million for the services of the midfielder.
Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard is expected to return from injury just in time for the next Premier League match against Brentford.
Odegaard is currently recovering after being absent in the last three Arsenal matches and international duties with Norway due to injury.
Although struggling with hip issues in recent weeks, concussion protocols have kept Odegaard out of the games against Sevilla, Newcastle United, and Burnley.
The playmaker’s face was hit by the ball during a training session before Arsenal lost 1-0 to Newcastle earlier this month.
As a result of this incident, Odegaard has not played for Mikel Arteta’s team since coming on as a substitute in the EFL Cup defeat to West Ham United on November 1.
Despite not being able to join his international teammates, Norway boss Stale Solbakken recently downplayed concerns about the severity of the player’s injury.
After recovering during the international break, football.london reported that Odegaard is expected to be available for Arsenal’s away meeting with Brentford next weekend.
The report claimed Odegaard trained at London Colney on Tuesday, and if there are no setbacks, he will return to action ahead of a busy schedule.
Speaking ahead of Norway’s Euro 2024 qualifiers against Scotland, Solbakken also strengthened the notion that Odegaard is close to returning to action.
“I just finished talking for 45 minutes with Martin,” Solkbakken told reporters. “He is getting better and better and gradually improving.
“It’s been about three weeks without special training sessions, so it’s important for him to take steps gradually. Now, he might be available for the match against Brentford,” he concluded.
If involved against Brentford next Saturday, the 24-year-old player will try to help Arsenal secure their third consecutive victory in all competitions.
