Unai Emery-Sean Dyche tussle: The managers of both sides were involved in a heated moment after full-time.
Arsenal returned to winning ways as they beat Burnley 3-1 in the Premier League. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored twice, while Alex Iwobi scored in injury time to finish a perfect day for Arsenal.
The game also saw the return of Mesut Ozil in the starting XI. The former German international made his mark almost instantly as he picked Kolasinac with an incredible pass, ultimately leading up to Arsenal’s first goal.
Arsenal have had a slump in form after they lost two successive games against Southampton and Tottenham.
However, things went ugly after the full-time on the touchline as Unai Emery and Burnley’s manager Sean Dyche were involved in a heated moment.
Unai Emery-Sean Dyche tussle:
The manager of both sides seemed to argue with each other as they had the customary handshake after the game.
While Unai Emery continued to aggressively react to Dyche, the Burnley manager attempted to shove past him.
Here’s the video:
Words were said. pic.twitter.com/uBHihRCw5l
— Arsenalist (@arsenalist) December 22, 2018
The reason behind Sean Dyche’s reaction was soon known, however, in the post-match conference. The Burnley manager indicated that various decisions throughout the game went against Burnley.
Sean Dyche stated that Unai Emery accused him of questioning the referee, and he admitted it.
“He [Emery] said, ‘You were questioning the referee’, I said, ‘Yes I absolutely was. Have a Merry Christmas,'” Sean Dyche said. He also talked about his complaints with the referee.
“It wasn’t a 3-1 game, I think all would agree with that.
Burnley boss Sean Dyche: “It wasn’t a 3-1 game, I think all would agree with that. We conceded soft goals and one was marginally offside. When you come here you do need decisions and so many went against us.” #ARSBUR
— AFCPressWatch (@AFCPressWatch2) December 22, 2018
“We conceded soft goals and one was marginally offside. When you come here you do need decisions and so many went against us.”
He called out names in the post-match conference, and accused the Arsenal players for diving.
“Two out of three goals are soft, but we delivered a performance. We could have got something. We didn’t get a lot of decisions.”
This is gripping stuff as furious Burnley boss Dyche warms to his theme: “I’m the only one who wants to do something to do about diving…61 games without a penalty…why do [Arsenal] players need to dive…”
But when asked about Barnes on Guendouzi he says: “I didn’t see it…” pic.twitter.com/PHf40Wy8yw
— Layth (@laythy29) December 22, 2018
Dyche defended his player John Barnes, who was booked in the game.
“Ashley Barnes got booked when their player throws an elbow. No dives, no-one seems to want to do something about diving.
Sean Dyche on the exchange with Unai Emery at the end: “He said ‘You were questioning the referee.’ I said, ‘Yes I absolutely was. Have a merry Christmas.'”
— Mattias Karén (@MattiasKaren) December 22, 2018
“We’re talking about blatant diving.
“Vydra goes through, slight hand in the back on Xhaka, he goes down,” Dyche said.