Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has stated he possesses a "massive library" of video clips documenting instances of shirt-pulling by opposing teams, a statement made in the wake of controversy surrounding an incident in Arsenal's recent victory over Liverpool.
During Arsenal's 1-0 win against Liverpool on Sunday, defender Jurrien Timber was not penalized for pulling Alexander Isak's shirt as the striker attempted to head the ball. The referee, Andy Madley, did not award a foul, and VAR did not recommend an on-field review, decisions that have drawn significant scrutiny. Responding to questions about whether referees might alter their approach to such offenses, Arteta remarked, "I have a lot of clips about shirt pulls and grabs. I have a massive library that we can talk about. I have a massive library that we can (put out) there to remind everybody what every team is going through."
This is not the first time Arteta has highlighted perceived inconsistencies. Last month, he claimed his own touchline behavior was penalized more harshly than that of other Premier League managers. He revealed at the time that he had compiled footage of rival managers frequently leaving their technical areas, stating, "I'm clipping all of that. I have a massive storage of images. So if somebody is going to say, 'I'm not in the record yet, somebody else has the record', then it's 36 yellow cards in 10 minutes for the (other) manager."
In parallel to the controversy, Arteta also confirmed that defender William Saliba is nearing a return to action. Saliba, who sustained a back injury in July, has been training fully and is available for selection. He participated in a behind-closed-doors friendly last week and was part of the traveling squad for Arsenal's Champions League fixture against Slavia Prague.
"He's in a really good place," Arteta said of Saliba. "I think the timings and the manner that the injury has been dealt with, and especially the feelings that Willy has been having along the way, have been very, very positive. He feels very comfortable, he played 45 minutes behind closed doors last week and he feels ready to go."
Arsenal has maintained a strong defensive record in Saliba's absence, conceding only five goals in nine Premier League games, the best in the division. However, Arteta acknowledged the player's eagerness to return, noting, "I think he's very desperate and very loved, because William is somebody that is admired and very liked around the team."
The manager indicated that the decision to play Saliba would depend on the team's needs, with all preparations made to manage his workload and minimize risk. "Now he's in a really good place, he's built the capacity that we needed and now it's about giving him minutes."