Matchday Recap: A bump in the road

It was not Arsenal's night yesterday, falling to Spurs 3-0 on the road. There are so many factors that shifted the game's entirety, but what can't go unnoticed is head referee Paul Tierney's decision-making. While the result may have gone Spur's way, Tierney's lack of consistency in calls dramatically altered the game.

It's blatantly clear that Arsenal started the game very strongly. They were composed in possession, and both Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli were causing concerns for Ben Davies and Emerson Royal. Meanwhile, Arsenal's defensive line maintained its shape and stuck to its assignments on Son Heung-min and Harry Kane.

It began to unravel when Son and Rob Holding were constantly battling for possession during attempted counter-attacks for Spurs. Every viewer of the game could see that Son was becoming increasingly frustrated with Holding after winning a couple of challenges. Still, Holding became frustrated after being caught on counters from Son. It eventually led to an actual hold from Holding on Son, and Tierney handed Holding a yellow card. There's no argument that it was indeed yellow, but what's puzzling is Son's seen on video throwing an elbow into the side of Holding's head. While it could be said that Tierney was unable to see that, what's puzzling is why VAR neglected to involve Tierney in a possible review of foul play. It didn't necessarily warrant a sending-off, but at the very least, is that not a reason what VAR is for? To review plays that the head referee might have missed? Regardless, there was no review, and the only yellow card handed out was to Holding.

The baffling decision came in the 22' minute when a lobbed cross into the box for Spurs went out of play, and Son fell to the ground. Without any hesitation, Paul Tierney pointed to the penalty spot, motioning that there was an elbow thrown in the box. It was another puzzling decision because why not again go to VAR to check if the decision was correct from Tierney or to see if there was actual contact? After seeing the replay a hundred times over now, there is bare minimum contact as Son dives down in the box, so why is there no step-in from VAR to at least have Tierney take a look at the play from a different angle? It's a justifiable inquiry for fans who are demanding a logical explanation.

Then came Rob Holding's second yellow card after a collision with Son. Once again, Tierney pulled a double yellow, and Rob Holding's day was done. Tierney made another questionable decision because, in the video replay, there's no clear evidence that Holding is sticking his elbow out when Son collides with him. Following the red card, Tottenham controlled the majority of possession, and Arsenal was forced to defend for the remainder of the game. The second goal resulted in another poor call from Paul Tierney but was two plays earlier than the corner. Bukayo Saka won possession and was fouled, but Tierney ruled it a foul for Spurs over Saka. That resulted in a free-kick that Takehiro Tomiyasu had to head out behind for a corner, which led to the corner that Harry Kane scored on. Again, another call that is baffling to call against Arsenal, but it's how the entire game went.

The final goal of the match shows Harry Kane having both his arms hold down Gabriel just long enough to allow Son to get a clear shot on goal to make the game 3-0. Once again, Tierney refuses to acknowledge this, and VAR does not review it whatsoever. This game should've focused on the fight between two clubs, but instead, the game's remembered as one that's all about Paul Tierney. Arteta held great restraint with being critical of the refereeing but said a quote that sticks more than anything else, "That we lost the game. Obviously, we wanted to play the game, and we were so excited to play a game, and you've seen the team, how it started, the way we were playing, and this beautiful occasion was destroyed, and unfortunately, we could not enjoy the game that we wanted to play," (arsenal.com).

From an Arsenal perspective, it's a tough loss, but it's time to move on to the next game. Arsenal still controls their destiny, and they need to take advantage of that. No one will feel sorry for Arsenal, and Arteta has already voiced this to the players. Wins at Newcastle and at home against Everton to end the season will guarantee the Champions League next season and a fourth-place finish in the Premier League table. It doesn't matter what Tottenham does in their remaining two fixtures, and Arsenal should maintain the tunnel vision they've had since the start of the new calendar year.

These next two games will be challenging. Newcastle is on a real upswing under Eddie Howe, and Everton is desperate to stay above relegation. However, Arsenal needs to win these games. There's an argument that if they can't win these games, they maybe don't deserve the Champions League next season. Of course, Newcastle on the road will be a loud crowd, but Arteta has ensured this team is ready for every match, no matter where or when it is. Arsenal fans must now rally behind this team even more and keep the belief that Arsenal will win these final games of the season.

The final thoughts on this North London Derby are just utter disappointments. A rivalry game such as this one needs to be appreciated with more class, and unfortunately, it's focused on Paul Tierney. It'll reflect as making up excuses for the performance, but those decisions vastly changed the match's entire landscape, and there's no denying it. What could be more disastrous from this game is Gabriel having a hamstring injury that may keep him out on Monday, but there's no update on the extent of that injury. Arsenal will look to regroup on Monday as they travel to Newcastle United at 3 pm eastern on USA Network or the Peacock app.