Mikel Arteta’s stance on Fabio Vieira red card one week after blazing VAR row
The video assistant referee got two thumbs up from Mikel Arteta despite Fabio Vieira's red card against Burnley on Saturday.
Portugal international Vieira was criticised by fans online for his 'braindead' challenge on Josh Brownhill to get sent off late in Arsenal's 3-1 win. However, Arteta said he agreed with the decision to dismiss his player despite the Gunners' need to keep all hands on deck at present.
It follows the Spaniard's outburst in the wake of last weekend's 1-0 loss at Newcastle, where Anthony Gordon's goal was allowed despite a four-minute deliberation by the VAR. Arteta blew up at the officials in the aftermath but had a very different stance when it came to Vieira's premature departure.
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"With the red card yes, thank you for asking me, VAR was right," he told reporters after Saturday's win. "The referee was right. Really good decision. Really positive for Mikel to speak positively about that. Yeah, good decision."
The comments clearly came with a healthy dose of sarcasm, with Arteta perhaps taking a page from the book of his former mentor and Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola. However, it's a lot easier to deliver such points on the back of a three-point haul.
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That's in stark contrast to his reaction after the Newcastle defeat, with Arteta describing the VAR outcome as 'not acceptable' and adding he 'felt sick to be part of this'. Arsenal 'fully supported' their manager in his comments and compiled a list of arguments to present to PGMOL after the result.
Although there was seemingly no intent from Vieira to do damage to Brownhill at the Emirates, the optics of his studs-up attempt didn't make for good viewing. However, his exit will be nonetheless hard to take at a time when Arsenal are already missing men in midfield.
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Captain Martin Odegaard, Emile Smith Rowe and Thomas Partey were all absent from the hosts' midfield options against Burnley. Meanwhile, Leandro Trossard had to fill in up front for injured striker Gabriel Jesus, while Eddie Nketiah came off the bench for a late cameo.
Regardless of how pleased (or not) Arteta is with Vieira's dismissal, the playmaker won't be part of the Gunners' immediate plans once play resumes after the international break. However, the VAR in charge will be overjoyed not to have felt the full extent of his wrath this week.
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