Mikel Arteta launched a scathing attack on referee Paul Tierney after Tottenham beat 10-man Arsenal 3-0 on Thursday night to keep alive their hopes of finishing in the Premier League’s top four.
Antonio Conte’s side would have been eliminated from the race to qualify for next year’s Champions League if they had lost to their London rivals.
But Harry Kane tormented the Gunners once again as the Tottenham striker opened the scoring with a controversial penalty. And, Arsenal’s Rob Holding was sent off for two bookings in seven minutes.
Kane netted again before the break and Son Heung-min bagged Tottenham’s third goal in the second half.
Instead of sealing a return to the Champions League for the first time since the 2016-17 campaign, Arsenal now face a nerve-jangling conclusion to the top-four battle.
Arsenal still hold a slender advantage though, but the end of their four-match winning run leaves them just one point ahead of fifth-placed Tottenham, with both teams having two games left.
Gunners manager Arteta was furious with both the penalty and red card, saying: “If I say what I think I’m suspended for six months. I don’t know how to lie so I prefer not to say what I think.
“I cannot give my opinion. I think you can read my body language very clearly. I’m not unhappy with my players. I’m proud of my players.
“I want the referees to come in front of the camera and explain his decisions. It’s a shame because such a beautiful game was destroyed today.”
Conte said several weeks ago that it would be a “miracle” if Tottenham reached the Champions League given their position when he replaced Nuno Espirito Santo in November.
But their win in arguably the biggest north London derby since Arsenal won the league at White Hart Lane in 2004 ensured that anything is still possible.
