“Michael Oliver is doing everything he can to make this race for everyone” : Peter Schmeichel criticizes English referee for ‘ruining’ Manchester City vs Arsenal
The biggest match of the Premier League season so far has been played, and the Gunners now find themselves on a decade long streak of not being able to win in the Etihad stadium, after John Stones’ late injury time equalizer.
Starting strong, Arsenal was a goal ahead of the Cityzens courtesy of new signing Riccardo Calafiori’s super strike and the ever reliable Gabriel Magalhaes’s bullet header, but that is where things started going the wrong way for the North London club.
In an already difficult game, Leandro Trossard was dismissed eight minutes into the first half’s extra time after kicking the ball away from the free kick spot, resulting in a second yellow. The first yellow was already a rather a ‘soft’ challenge, and this sending off disrupted the whole tempo of the Gunners’ attack, leading to heavy criticism around referee Michael Oliver. Meanwhile, Pep Guardiola’s side took full advantage of this, and had an enormous 88% possession in the second half, including 28 shots. Ultimately, Arsenal was unable to hold on in the deep end, as they conceded in the game’s final play.
“Michael Oliver wants himself in the spotlight!” : Manchester United icon furious over Michael Oliver’s decision
Arsenal and City surely played one of their better games in their ongoing rivalry, as everyone was expecting a dull draw. The first half was one for the ages, as the Etihad was lit up on both ends. But one controversial decision by referee Michael Oliver turned this match from a classic to downright chaotic.
Out of all the big personalities and analysts that have blamed the English referee for the Belgian winger’s sending off, former Manchester United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel’s criticism sticks out the most. Schmeichel provided no filter in his words, and directly put the allegation on Oliver that he was trying to sabotage the game.
“Michael Oliver is doing everything he can to make this race for everyone. This is the biggest game in the Premier League so far! Soft yellow cards!” said the Danish (via GIVEMESPORT).
“Why is Michael Oliver trying to ruin it? It’s a big game, emotions are flying high — understand what you are dealing with here, but no — Michael Oliver wants himself in the spotlight!” the 60-year-old added.
The Danish goalkeeper was part of one of the greatest Premier League rivalries, where Sir Alex Ferguson’s Red Devils used to lock horns with Arsene Wenger’s Gunners. Due to this factor, many Arsenal fans were surprised on the 60-year-old siding by them.
The Gunners, who were on the brink of reaching the table-top, now find themselves heartbroken on fourth place, just two points behind first place Manchester City.
