FA PREMIER LEAGUE RACE FOR EUROPE Blackburn 2 Everton 3:MIKEL ARTETA aimed further swipes at Morten Gamst Pedersen in the aftermath of Everton's last-gasp victory at Ewood Park, but none quite as reprehensible as the poke in the eye that grubbied his otherwise fine display.
Accusations of “previous” rang from Arteta’s lips, as did an apology for his moment of nastiness. There will be no further inquisition for the Spanish midfielder, given that the referee Andre Marriner assessed the unsavoury incident as worthy of a yellow card, unless the official says in his report that he merely witnessed physical confrontation rather than a raised arm. Only then, under English Football Association disciplinary guidelines, can retrospective action be taken.
Arteta was not expected back from a groin tear for another fortnight but gave a matador’s interpretation of the midfield art, running amok among Blackburn’s bulls. However, his composure on the ball was not replicated when Pedersen caught him late in the 20th minute. “I probably shouldn’t have reacted like I did but there have been a few times – not just in this match – when he’s made bad tackles,” said the Spaniard. “I don’t mind it when they’re fair or tough, I accept it with no problem. But with him it’s different and he knows that – I told him after it as well.
“But I made a mistake, I shouldn’t have reacted and I apologise for it. I probably got more upset because I was out for so long and don’t want a stupid challenge like that injuring me again.”
Sam Allardyce, the manager, was among the Rovers hordes who reckoned Arteta’s afternoon should have ended early for a different reason. “By the letter of the law it is a red card but, once again, the referee has got it wrong,” Allardyce said.
This was only Arteta’s 10th league appearance of the season, making one wonder how much further up the table Everton would have been with double that number. His early penalty was his fifth goal and he was at the hub of Everton’s invention, after committing himself to the long-shot quest of Europa League qualification – by the final whistle they were one point shy of seventh-placed Aston Villa, having played two games more.
Everton are now unbeaten in six league games at Blackburn’s stronghold. David Moyes threw on Yakubu as a second striker to devastating effect a dozen minutes from the end.
A flick from the Nigerian international’s forehead, his first touch, put Everton 2-1 ahead and his cunning spin and cross set up Tim Cahill’s 90th-minute tap-in. Although they resolutely defended the barrage of deliveries into their 18-yard box, the prospect of another late capitulation reared itself once more when Blackburn twice levelled through exquisite long rangers from Steven Nzonzi and Jason Roberts.
Ultimately, however, they could not avert only their second defeat on home turf since the opening day.
Guardian Service
