Mikel Arteta has given his honest verdict on Michael Oliver's decision to issue Fabio Vieira a red-card in Arsenal's 3-1 win over Burnley. The 23-year-old midfielder, who replaced Kai Havertz in the second-half, was given his marching orders following a dangerous challenge on Josh Bronwnhill.

Vieira committed a late tackle and his studs made contact with the Clarets goalscorer's knee. Oliver, who hadn't even dished out a caution until then, dismissed the Portugal international, reducing the Gunners to 10-men with just a few minutes to spare.

Luckily for Arsenal, Arteta's side managed to hold their two-goal lead and secured three crucial points in the Premier League title race. The north Londoners now sit second in the English top-flight; only four goals separates them from the reigning champions and table-toppers, Manchester City, who have a game in hand which will be played against Chelsea on Sunday.

Unless later overturned, Vieira will now miss the Gunners' next three games due to suspension – Brentford, Wolves and Luton Town before returning against Aston Villa. When asked for his verdict on the Portuguese star's dismissal post-match, Arteta said: "With the red card… Yes, VAR was right. The referee was right. Really good decision, really positive from Michael to speak about that. Good decision."

Then, later speaking to talkSPORT, he added: "Please ask me about VAR because today it was good. I hope that I'm on TV saying the referees are so good and I'm completely with them and being very constructive."

Arteta's measured analysis of the red-card decision may come as a surprise to many. The Spaniard did not pull any punches when quizzed on Arsenal's controversial defeat to Newcastle last weekend, describing Anthony Gordon's match-winner as an 'absolute disgrace' to officiating.

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The Gunners boss was his animated self at St James' Park, prancing around his technical area as he led his side through every shot, pass and tackle. But as red mist descended in Tyneside, Arteta was often seen pleading with the fourth official, Graham Scott.

"We have to talk about the result because you have to talk about how the hell this goal stands ups and it’s incredible," said the 41-year-old last weekend. "I feel embarrassed but I have to be the one now coming here to try to defend the club and please ask for help, because it's an absolute disgrace that this goal is allowed; it’s an absolute disgrace."

When asked why, Arteta replied: "Because it's not a goal for many reasons; it’s not a goal, for more than one reason at least. It’s not a goal and it's too much at stake here.

"We put in so much effort, it’s so difficult to compete at this level, and it's an absolute disgrace. Again, I feel embarrassed having more than 20 years in this country, and this is nowhere near the level to describe this as the best league in the world. I am sorry."