Mikel Arteta issues honest verdict on Fabio Vieira red card as Michael Oliver sent clear message
Mikel Arteta has given his honest verdict on Michael Oliver's decision to issue Fabio Vieira a red-card in Arsenal's 3-1 win over Burnley. The 23-year-old midfielder, who replaced Kai Havertz in the second-half, was given his marching orders following a dangerous challenge on Josh Bronwnhill.
Vieira committed a late tackle and his studs made contact with the Clarets goalscorer's knee. Oliver, who hadn't even dished out a caution until then, dismissed the Portugal international, reducing the Gunners to 10-men with just a few minutes to spare.
Luckily for Arsenal, Arteta's side managed to hold their two-goal lead and secured three crucial points in the Premier League title race. The north Londoners now sit second in the English top-flight; only four goals separates them from the reigning champions and table-toppers, Manchester City, who have a game in hand which will be played against Chelsea on Sunday.
Unless later overturned, Vieira will now miss the Gunners' next three games due to suspension – Brentford, Wolves and Luton Town before returning against Aston Villa. When asked for his verdict on the Portuguese star's dismissal post-match, Arteta said: «With the red card… Yes, VAR was right. The referee was right. Really good decision, really positive from Michael to speak about that. Good decision.»
Then, later speaking to talkSPORT, he added: «Please ask me about VAR because today it was good. I hope that I'm on TV saying the referees are so good and I'm completely with them and being very constructive.»
Arteta's measured analysis of the red-card decision may come as a surprise to many. The Spaniard did not pull any punches when quizzed on Arsenal's controversial defeat to Newcastle last weekend, describing Anthony Gordon's
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