Arteta explains confusing substitute decision during controversial West Ham win
Arsenal beat West Ham in a controversial game that was settled with a divisive VAR decision.
Ah, the Premier League. The self-styled ‘best league in the world’ gave us another delight this weekend as Arsenal took a dramatic step towards the title with a routine win over West Ham. Arsenal threw around the glitter and sparkles of their thrilling, pulsating style honed by a manager who puts everything into wanting entertainment first and results second.
Of course, dear reader, it was nothing like that.
Ball-in-play time was replaced with ball-in-the-air time in a match that will not make the end of year DVD, except for the footage of the controversial VAR decision that ultimately sealed the win for the Gunners and turned the relegation fight into a two horse race.
OK I’ll be honest. As turgid as the game was, it gave us plenty to talk about, even if we don’t want to go back and watch it again. As well as the VAR and the repercussions of the incident about which I will not endeavour to explain here, Martín Zubimendi’s substitution was also a hot potato when the final whistle went.
Arteta on “tough” Zubimendi sub
The Spaniard did not start the game, and was brought on in the 28th minute after an injury to Ben White. However, the midfielder lasted but a moment, and was hooked shortly after half-time, spending more time in the dressing room than on the pitch.
Replaced by Havertz, it was a change that raised eyebrows, as Arsenal were searching for control of the game in an affair that would stay 0-0 until the final few minutes.
After the game, Arteta explained his decision, and it was not due to a poor performance from the ex-Real Sociedad metronome.
“The one on Zubi was tough,” he admitted, adding that “I really felt we had to put two attacking midfielders in that moment.”
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