Mikel Arteta was fuming with the officials despite his Arsenal team winning (Picture: Shutterstock)
Arsenal may have won at Sunderland on Saturday night but Mikel Arteta was left fuming with a refereeing decision which could have cost his side.
The Gunners kept up their perfect start to the Premier League season with a 2-0 victory thanks to goals from Bruno Guimaraes and Bukayo Saka.
Things could have been very different, though, as Sunderland were given a penalty on 55 minutes with the game still goalless.
The controversial decision was given as Ezri Konsa was adjudged to have hauled down Dan Ballard in the box, a call that was backed up by VAR.
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Enzo Le Fee saw his spot-kick saved by David Raya and two minutes later Guimaraes gave Arsenal the lead.
Despite picking up three points, the penalty call was still bothering Arteta after the match, saying the officiating was ‘unacceptable’ and accusing Ballard of using a judo move on Konsa.
‘Look, the first question that we have to discuss is, and this is not acceptable at this level, because it was a beautiful game of football, with two teams, with an atmosphere in this stadium, it was unbelievable,’ said Arteta.
Dan Ballard went down while holding Ezri Konsa (Picture: Shutterstock)
‘With Sunderland they are so well organised, they are so good in so many phases, they have great players, they create a lot of issues. We have to cope with all of that, because it was a lot in a really difficult week, after Chelsea and Napoli.
‘And on top of that, we have to go through what we’ve done today, that in my opinion is not acceptable. And I watched it 20 times, and I cannot find a way to understand how we even think to give a penalty in that situation, or the way the VAR has to intervene. So I don’t know what to think, really.
‘But I’m sad that we have to discuss in such a beautiful game something at this level that has the gravity of that, because that changes the course of the season, and it can cost you the championship. And at this level, with all the work that we put in, this cannot happen.’
David Raya was Arsenal’s hero from the penalty (Picture: Getty Images)
Explaining his take on the incident, he said: ‘It’s a judo roll. You don’t think it’s a judo roll and it brings the players on the floor. How can this be a penalty? I don’t know.
‘I cannot find an explanation, honestly. That’s why I’m going to try to find an explanation now.’
Former Swansea City and Everton defender Ashley Williams was in agreement with Arteta, baffled by how the referee and VAR came to their decision.
Ashley Williams and Thomas Frank both believe Sunderland should not have been awarded a penalty against Arsenal ❌ pic.twitter.com/ldtmlFOZ4k
Maresca takes his team to Old Trafford and is looking to keep up his 100 per cent record in the Premier League since taking charge at City, having won his first three top flight games.
It has not been such a good start to the season for the Red Devils, having lost at Hull City on the opening day of the campaign and dropping points at Everton in a 2-2 draw last time out.
Maresca is not underestimating United, though, seeing them as ‘very dangerous’ with a style of play that is more direct than any other side in the division.
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‘They are the team in the Premier League at the moment who plays the most balls in behind,’ said the Manchester City boss.
‘It’s quite clear that they’re very dangerous and they don’t need many passes. They are quite direct when they recover the ball.’
Maresca had praise for the job Carrick has done, since stepping in as interim manager midway through last season and then earning the role on a permanent basis.
Michael Carrick has big choices to make in his team selection (Picture: Shutterstock)
‘I think he’s doing a fantastic job since last season,’ said the Italian. ‘He took over in a complicated situation, finished very well.
‘This season more or less starts in the same way so he’s doing a very good job.’
Maresca may be expecting to face plenty of balls over the top of his defence, but it is not clear who his City side will be taking on in United’s front line.
Carrick has Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, Marcus Rashford and Benjamin Sesko to choose from and has been talking up the different threats they all bring.
Benjamin Sesko scored in the Champions League win over Sabah on Thursday (Picture: Getty Images)
‘It’s obvious they have different strengths,’ he said. ‘I think there’s principles of what we’re trying to achieve as a team and the way we’re trying to play it would hopefully doesn’t change too much with personnel, but it definitely gives us different options, if that makes sense.
‘We still want to play a certain way, try certain things, but there’s a different threat to Ben, to Matheus, to Bryan, to Marcus, you know, to whoever’s up there.
‘So it’s a little bit on the opposition and just the balance of our team as well, and certain things we want to, we want to attack, certain spaces or whatever that may be. Sometimes it’s in possession, sometimes it’s without the ball, and certain things we’ve got to defend certain areas. So it’s quite a bit that goes into it.’
In this week’s edition of The Football Interview, Kelly Somers speaks to Manchester City defender Rúben Dias. They discuss the transition into life under Enzo Maresca, after a decade of success with Pep Guardiola at the helm. They also get into how things have changed with Bernardo Silva and John Stones leaving over the summer. He reflects on the impact on his parents early on in his success to becoming one of the greatest central defenders in the world.
Timecodes:
0’20 - What’s it like under Enzo Maresca?
1’25 - The changes in key players and his excitement for the future
4’05 - the best moment under Pep Guardiola
6’10 - Influence of his parents early on & Benfica academy
9’57 - Is he a deep thinker?
10’50 - How he enjoys his own time
11’45 - What can he achieve into his thirties?
The Gunners have won their opening three games of the new season – conceding just once – and got their Champions League campaign up and running with a win over Napoli on Wednesday.
The former Brighton defender is ‘fine’ according to his manager however and is expected to take his place in the side at the Stadium of Light tonight.
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Ezri Konsa has impressed at the heart of defence alongside Gabriel Magalhaes, drafted in against Chelsea and Napoli after an injury for Cristhian Mosquera.
The Spain international had started the season at centre-half in place of the injured William Saliba but an injury suffered in the win over Aston Villa opened up space for Konsa to come in.
Arteta confirmed on Friday that Mosquera is ‘progressing well’ and could be in contention to make the squad today.
Timber has been impressing in training (Picture: Getty)
Timber meanwhile is continuing to step his recovery from a groin problem that has prevented him from starting a game since March.
Arteta hailed his efforts in training this week but it remains to be seen when the Dutchman will be considered for selection.
Saliba remains a long-term absentee as he recovers from his back problem.
Arsenal XI to face Napoli – Metro prediction
Arteta was able to rotate his side midweek in the Champions League with Viktor Gyokeres, Eberechi Eze, Mikel Merino and Piero Hincapie coming in.
Bruno Guimaraes came off the bench after his recent issue with Arsenal fans eager to see him start alongside Declan Rice in the heart of midfield.
Myles Lewis-Skelly hasn’t put a foot wrong in that role however and will be hopeful of keeping his spot.
Sunderland vs Arsenal TV channel, live stream and kick-off time
The Premier League match takes place this afternoon (Saturday 12 September) with kick-off scheduled for 8pm.
You can watch the match live on TNT Sports 1 with streaming also available through the HBO Max app.
You can also follow all the action with Metro’s LIVE matchday blog.
Caicedo is still to start a game this season (Picture: Ashley Western/Shutterstock)
Chelsea will be without Moises Caicedo when they take on Hull City at Stamford Bridge this afternoon.
The Ecuador international is still to start a game for the Blues this season due to an injury picked up in the days before the opening game against Fulham.
Caicedo made the bench against Brighton and was called upon in the second-half against his former club.
Just 14 minutes later however he was forced off having aggravated the injury, missing last weekend’s showdown with Arsenal as a result.
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The Blues head coach is short another option in midfield with Jordan Henderson still working his way back after the wrist injury he suffered with England at the World Cup.
Summer signing Marco Palestra is also unavailable.
Chelsea XI to face Hull – Metro prediction
Romeo Lavia has started the season impressively but Caicedo’s absence has left him without a regular partner in midfield. Reece James is likely to continue in that midfield role, starting in the middle of the park against Arsenal last time out.
Levi Colwill was an unused substitute at the Emirates, returning to the team for the Carabao Cup thriller against Leeds United midweek.
The centre-half went off after 76 minutes, heading straight down the tunnel but Alonso allayed fears over any fresh injury issues for the 23-year-old.
Chelsea vs Hull TV channel, live stream and kick-off time
The Premier League match takes place this afternoon (Saturday 12 September) with kick-off scheduled for 3pm.
Given that kick-off slot, the match will not be broadcast live in the UK.
But you can follow all the action with Metro’s LIVE matchday blog.
Lewis Hall’s new contract will keep him at Newcastle until 2031 (Photo: Newcastle United)
Manchester United’s chances of signing Lewis Hall have taken a huge blow as details of his Newcastle United contract extension have been revealed.
It is no secret that Michael Carrick wanted to sign a new left-back during the summer transfer window, with Hall emerging as his top target.
The 22-year-old has developed into one of the Premier League’s best full-backs since leaving Chelsea for St. James’ Park three years ago.
His efforts have helped Newcastle win the Carabao Cup and qualify for the Champions League, though he was surprisingly left out of the England squad for the 2026 World Cup.
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That no longer appears to be the case however, as Newcastle announced on Friday that Hall has signed a new five-year contract with the club.
Moreover, as reported by The Athletic, there is no set release clause in the new deal, strengthening the Magpies’ position and making it more difficult for Man Utd to sign the player in the future.
Hall has two assists in the opening five games of the season (Photo: Getty)
It was reported that the Red Devils were still very interesting in making a move for Hall next summer, but he will now surely command a premium price tag.
Carrick has just one senior natural left-back at his disposal for this season in the shape of Luke Shaw, but Patrick Dorgu did play there in the Champions League win over Sabah on Thursday, and was named Player of the Match.
Man Utd face rivals Manchester City on Sunday in the Premier League, while Newcastle travel to Leeds United on Monday night.
Man Utd will find it even tougher to sign Hall now (Photo: Getty)
‘I’m absolutely delighted,’ Hall, who has played every minute of the campaign so far, said upon signing his contract extension.
‘It’s a really proud moment. It’s an absolute pleasure to play for this club and to represent the supporters. I know how much it means to them.
‘The fanbase and the support we get here, whether it’s at St. James’ Park or away, it’s the best in the league in my opinion. To be able to bring joy to their faces, it’s a big thing for me.
‘I obviously have a family connection with the club, which is incredibly important to us all. One of the main reasons I play is to make my family proud, and I know how much it means to them to watch me playing for Newcastle United.
‘It’s a really good place to be. It’s really pleasing with how we’ve started the season, especially with the new Gaffer and coaching staff coming in, and I think we can go on to achieve really big things.’
Arsenal’s defence of their title has got off to the perfect start with their mean defence picking up from where they left off. Sunderland await under the lights on Saturday night.
Chelsea fell just short at the Emirates last time out but will look to get back on track at home to Hull City.
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I remember Villa having a poor start last year, didn’t they? I think they didn’t win in five last year. There was no panic, so there’s no panic again. But I would fancy them to win and take all three points against Forest this weekend.
Villa are without a win this season (Picture: Paul Currie/Shutterstock)
They had a big win in Europe, A massive win to get three points away from home, and start their Champions League campaign, that was huge for them. Because I think maybe eight points or nine points got you into the playoffs last year, 16 got you into the top eight in the Champions League. So, with all that I would think they would get the three points this weekend against Forest.
Forest need a win as well. I thought they were very good against Liverpool, but I still think Villa will beat Forest this weekend.
Prediction – Aston Villa win
Betfair Predicts:
Aston Villa: 42% Draw: 29% Nottingham Forest: 29%
Bournemouth vs Brentford
Bournemouth should have been three or four up against Newcastle in that first half, albeit they got two deflected goals. The one thing and the one worry I would have for Bournemouth is because they go at you hard for 60 minutes, I just thought for the last half hour they faded.
It’s been a promising start for the Bees this season (Picture: Getty Images)
It’s very difficult to keep that pace up, the pressing and what have you, and how they do it. They do it really well though. And for the first hour I think they look really fit. Then they run out of steam, and they’ve conceded late goals all the time, which has really hurt them. I do think in this game they’re evenly matched and that’s why I’m going to go for a draw. I think it’s tough to choose a winner between them.
Prediction – Draw
Betfair Predicts:
Bournemouth: 39% Draw: 27% Brentford: 35%
Chelsea v Hull
If I’d have said to you before a ball was kicked that Hull be the only team in the 92 not to concede a goal in the league so far this season, you’d have laughed at me. Great credit to them and they have been brilliant. I do think that will end this weekend. I think Chelsea will beat them and they could score three or four.
Chelsea out to bounce back from Arsenal defeat (Picture: REUTERS)
Looking at Chelsea’s form, they are brilliant going forward but you can tell they’re going to concede as well. Alonso has still got issues to work out defensively. But in terms of going forward, particularly with those three, there’s not many better up top than those three and they will always cause you problems and always score goals.
Their issue is stopping them at the other end. Hull can frustrate them on Saturday, but I think they’ll have enough to beat them.
Prediction – Chelsea win
Betfair Predicts:
Chelsea: 80% Draw: 14% Hull: 7%
Crystal Palace v Ipswich
Ipswich had a good start when they beat Sunderland the first day of the season, but we have not seen a lot from them since. Palace had a great win against Fulham. They had to win, they had to get something out of that game, Palace. Otherwise, we would have been talking like we are about Fulham, about Palace. I think it’s important they carry on the momentum. So, I think Palace will have enough to beat Ipswich. I think it’s a big game for both clubs.
When you look at what Palace did last week and getting the points against Fulham, I think they’ll look at this game again, particularly being at home, as another game that they could pick up three points. It’s a big game. So yeah, I think Palace will beat them at home.
Prediction – Crystal Palace win
Betfair Predicts:
Crystal Palace: 51% Draw: 25% Ipswich: 24%
Liverpool v Fulham
I think Liverpool should win this and they will do. They got a good result in Europe on Wednesday, but they do have defensive issues again but being at Anfield I think they’ll have enough to beat them.
It’s really important Isak stays fit for Liverpool. It’s really important he keeps up that form he has started in. It’s exactly what he needed personally to have a good start after what happened last season for him and for Liverpool.
Isak at the double last time out (Picture: Action Images via Reuters)
I said before a ball was kicked, I was slightly concerned with Palace, with Fulham, one or two others. So, I’m not really surprised to see Fulham start the season like they have. Arbeloa needs to win and quickly. If he doesn’t, then you know what’s going to happen. I think there’s two games left before the international break in the league. So, Fulham need to get something in those two games.
Prediction – Liverpool win
Betfair Predicts:
Liverpool: 68% Draw: 19% Fulham: 14%
Tottenham vs Everton
It was a brilliant strike from Maitland-Niles, and a good comeback for Everton against Man United last week. Clearly it doesn’t take away the issues they’ve got in terms of their forward positions and the numbers that they’ve got in the squad. But that was a big point for them last week against Manchester United. Spurs are desperate to get a win and score goals. It’s a tough one to call this one. I’m gonna go for a draw.
Prediction – Draw
Betfair Predicts:
Tottenham: 47% Draw: 27% Everton: 27%
Sunderland vs Arsenal
Arsenal are very solid, they’re strong in every position. Sunderland got a good point away at Brentford last week, but I think Arsenal will have too much for them. I think Arsenal will have too much for most teams this season. So, I am going for Arsenal to win and continue their strong start to the season.
Prediction – Arsenal win
Arsenal already in fearsome form (Picture: Matt Impey/Shutterstock)
Betfair Predicts:
Sunderland: 12% Draw: 23% Arsenal: 66%
Coventry vs Brighton
I was really impressed with Coventry last week against Man City. They were really unlucky to come away with nothing. They can take a bit of confidence from that performance. I am going to go for them to get their first point. Brighton will come to Coventry looking to get something, but I think it will only be a point this weekend.
Prediction – Draw
Betfair Predicts:
Coventry: 24% Draw: 25% Brighton: 52%
Manchester United vs Manchester City
It’s not ideal that Man United played in Europe on Thursday and City played on Tuesday, but you can’t ever use it as an excuse. That’s what they played for last year is to get into the Champions League. So, there’s no point in moaning that you now play on a Thursday and a Sunday. But I do get that they would want a level playing field with City playing on Tuesday.
Sesko hoping to start against City (Picture: James Gill – Danehouse)
Man United always give a bit extra in the big games. But now we’ve seen them against Hull, we’ve seen them against Everton last weekend, showing just how sloppy they were defensively. It’s a brilliant goal from Ainsley Maitland-Niles, but again I think they always pull something out of the bag for games like this. So I’m going to go for a draw and a point apiece.
Prediction – Draw
Betfair Predicts:
Man United: 30% Draw: 25% Man City: 46%
Leeds vs Newcastle
It’s always a ferocious atmosphere at Elland Road. It’s only down the road really, an hour and a half down the road from Newcastle, so there’ll be thousands of fans travelling down there. Elland Road’s a great atmosphere. I’m going to go for a Newcastle away win and I hope the boys can keep this good run going.
