Ex-PL ref admits Michael Oliver was lucky as Arsenal beat Man City after controversial decision

Oliver made a big call during Arsenal's win

City fell to their third defeat in four games as Gabriel Martinelli came off the bench to score a late winner for Arsenal.

Martinelli’s effort deflected off Nathan Ake in the 86th minute to secure a massive three points for Mikel Arteta’s men and take them joint-top of the league with north London rivals Tottenham.

The Gunners also moved two points clear of their opponents, who struggled to get a foot hold of the game and never looked like scoring when going forward.

But had Mikel Arteta's side not won the game they're would've been uproar after Man City somehow ended the game with 11 men following Oliver's decision to not send Mateo Kovacic off.

Kovacic was the main talking point of the first half after two rashly timed tackles on the pitch.

The first of those was an extremely late tackle on Martin Odegaard that saw the Croatian leave the ground studs up into the back of the leg of the Gunners captain.

Oliver handed out a yellow card and following a VAR check, they agreed with the on-field decision,

Moments later and Kovacic was at it again as he caught Declan Rice with a late challenge but Oliver waved on for play to continue, despite mass protests from everyone affiliated to Arsenal.

Mateo Kovačić escapes with just a yellow for this challenge on Martin Ødegaard 😬 pic.twitter.com/dHPyZZzr7H

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) October 8, 2023

Wiring for the Daily Mail on Sunday, Clattenburg said: "Mateo Kovacic is a very lucky boy and so is referee Michael Oliver, given Arsenal went on to win regardless of Manchester City keeping all 11 men on the pitch.

"Kovacic could have been dismissed not once, but twice.  His first yellow could have been upgraded to red if VAR John Brooks had told Oliver to take a second look at his nasty tackle from behind on Martin Odegaard.

"Matches between the Big Six can be emotionally charged and full of hot-blooded challenges and that may have been taken into account. 

"But Oliver would have been getting some grief over this international break if it hadn’t been for Gabriel Martinelli’s late goal."

Related links:

• Fans baffled as Mateo Kovacic somehow avoids first half red card
• What caused altercation between Kyle Walker and Arsenal coach after Man City defeat
• Erling Haaland and Kyle Walker involved in altercation after Arsenal defeat