Alexandre Lacazette has hit out at referee Stuart Atwell for Arsenal’s Premier League loss to Manchester City.
The North Londoners suffered a 2-1 loss to the champions on Saturday afternoon, thanks to a controversial Riyad Mahrez penalty and Rodri’s stoppage-time winner.
Mikel Arteta’s side were denied a stone penalty by VAR in the first half after an Ederson foul on Martin Odegaard, a decision that angered France international Lacazette.
He wrote on Instagram: “Don’t think we deserved those decisions but I’m proud of my team and thank you fans for never giving up on us, you were amazing!
“On the next.”
An impressive Arsenal took the lead in the 31st minute through Bukayo Saka, before Mahrez returned the visitors on level terms in the 57th minute.
Things went from bad to worse for the Gunners two minutes later when Gabriel ended all of his side’s good work with a second booking.
After the match, assistant manager Albert Steuvenberg – who took charge of the match due to Arteta’s Covid isolation – said: “Mikael has the same feelings as me.”
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“He is disappointed to see the development of the team after the performance and from the start of the season.
“Are we able to compete against one of the best teams in the world? And we were.
“We also showed courage and played the game we wanted in the first half. It is disappointing to end up with zero points at the end.”
Atwell’s performance at the Emirates prompted repeated chants of ‘You don’t know what you’re doing’ and ‘2-1 to the referee’.
And fans’ fury boiled over in the 93rd minute when a section of the Emirates launched bottles and toilet paper at the celebratory Rodri.
Arsenal will look to get back on track on Thursday when they welcome Liverpool to the Emirates for the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final clash.
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