Remember when Arsenal had turned a corner?
When they were coming from behind to win and still prevailing when refereeing decisions went against them?
In fairness, three days is a long time.
Fresh from the victory over Stoke City, where the Gunners survived a controversial penalty call and referee Lee Mason missing what some thought was a stamp by Charlie Adam, Arsène Wenger’s team missed a chance to go top of the Premier League when Everton came from behind to beat them at Goodison Park.
In response Arsenal fans accepted that these things happen, and turned their attentions to Sunday’s meeting with Manchester City turned on anyone and everyone, but especially referee Mark Clattenburg.
Alex Livesey/Getty Images
Wenger himself hit out at the Consett official, questioning the award of the late corner from which Ashley Williams headed home Everton’s winner.
“I think I am really disappointed because Clattenburg was in a very good position to see they headed the ball out and it’s not the first time we are unlucky with this decision this season,” the Arsenal boss said.
But he was positively restrained compared to some Gooners on social media, who also believed the visitors should have been awarded a penalty during the defeat.
Stonewall penalty for Arsenal turned down by Clattenburg
Absolute wanker
— ND🍁 (@niyant_10) December 14, 2016
Wenger is right Clattenburg is useless. That wasnt a corner. That said the defending was woeful for those goals.
— Kris 😎⚽️⚾️🏈🏏🏀🏆🇧🇧 (@bajankris) December 14, 2016
Still can't believe we conceded the winner from a corner that was wrongly given. Terrible behaviour from Clattenburg
— Jamie Wanstall (@JamieWanstall09) December 14, 2016
But how did Mark Clattenburg miss that kick on Sanchez* before the final whistle and then to top it all off give a corner for a goal-kick…
— Alain Mixon (@africasgem12) December 14, 2016
But Clattenburg wasn’t the only one to feel the wrath of Arsenal supporters during and after the game.
Mesut Özil had one of his least productive games in an otherwise impressive season, but it was his defensive contribution – specifically his failure to challenge Williams when the centre back nodded home the winner – which saw him take the most heat.
The day Wenger becomes brave enough to sub Ozil when he is having a terrible, useless one… That would be the day …
— Chuky Unadulterated (@ChukyUnfazed) December 13, 2016
A distraction, a little dodge, simple knock can make a huge difference when defending crosses. Ozil just let him have a free header. Lazy
— FG (@FunnyGooner) December 13, 2016
Ozil is such a lazy motherfucker. If I can I would have drove him to the airport and kick his arse back to Madrid.
— Headbanger (@MetallicRebel) December 14, 2016
When even the Arsenal Fan TV crowd are turning on you, you know you’ve done something wrong.
Remember when Mesut Ozil was better than Messi last week? pic.twitter.com/1hVpqmh0mo
— GeorgeWeahsCousin (@WeahsCousin) December 13, 2016
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