In the 74th minute of Arsenal's 1-0 victory over Newcastle in matchweek 34 on 25/4, goalkeeper Nick Pope rushed far outside his penalty area, missed the ball, and fouled Viktor Gyokeres. As the incident occurred about 40 meters from goal with center-back Malick Thiaw providing cover, referee Samuel Barrott only showed a yellow card to the Newcastle goalkeeper. The video assistant referee (VAR) did not recommend overturning the on-field decision.

Goalkeeper Nick Pope (blue) fouls Viktor Gyokeres and receives a yellow card during Newcastle's 0-1 loss to Arsenal in matchweek 34 of the Premier League at Emirates Stadium, London, England, on 25/4. *Photo: PA*

After the match, Arteta stated he had reviewed the incident multiple times and believed it was a "clear red card". The Spanish coach then recalled the 1-2 defeat to Man City in matchweek 33, where Kai Havertz was fouled by center-back Abdukodir Khusanov while through on goal, but referee Antony Taylor did not blow his whistle.

"I am simply speaking about the reality of the last two matches, at crucial moments, we needed things to go our way, but they did not", Arteta expressed. "That was a red card in this match. It was also a red card in the game against Man City, and if that had happened, the outcome would have been different. That's all".

Despite his frustration, the 44-year-old coach affirmed he was not using it as an excuse. "I am not saying this when the team loses, but when we have just won. However, the reality is that in the last two matches, at important junctures, things did not go in our favor", he added.

The collision between Kai Havertz (number 29) and Abdukodir Khusanov during Arsenal's 1-2 loss to Man City in matchweek 33 of the Premier League at Etihad Stadium, Manchester, England, on 19/4.

Against Newcastle, Arsenal's performance was not particularly explosive, but they secured all three points thanks to a short corner routine, with Eberechi Eze striking decisively from outside the box to beat Nick Pope.

Arteta expressed satisfaction with how Arsenal executed set pieces to make a difference, emphasizing his players' resilience in persisting with this new corner kick strategy to succeed on the third attempt. "The question is whether you are brave enough to keep doing the right thing. The players did that, and I really liked it. When there is immense pressure and much doubt, we still believed in our choice and were rewarded", he stated.

This Premier League season, Arsenal has set a record for the most goals from corner kicks in a single season (17 goals), and they are also the team with the most opening goals from corners (10 goals). They have scored two goals from short corner routines, both against Newcastle.

Arteta therefore praised the coaching staff, especially set-piece specialist Nicolas Jover, along with the players who perfectly executed the tactical plan. He also looked ahead to the away match against Atletico Madrid in the first leg of the Champions League semifinals on 29/4.

While securing three points to reclaim the top spot, Arsenal paid a price as both Kai Havertz and Eze left the field due to injuries. According to Arteta, these are minor muscle issues, but their availability for the Atletico match next week remains uncertain.

Hong Duy (*according to ESPN*)