Ranieri hits out at lack of ‘respect’ by Arsenal
WATFORD boss Claudio Ranieri accused Arsenal of lacking ‘respect’ and sportsmanship in the move that led to Emile Smith Rowe’s controversial winner yesterday. The Italian was furious about the second-half incident, which saw Watford’s Danny Rose put the ball out of play so injured team-mate Ozan Tufan could receive treatment. Instead of returning possession, Arsenal attacked and eventually scored through Smith Rowe — prompting Ranieri to have cross words with Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta at the final whistle. His mood was not helped by what appeared to be a separate foul by Ainsley Maitland-Niles on Ismaila Sarr in the build-up to Smith Rowe’s strike. Ranieri said: ‘We put out the ball and everybody expected the Arsenal player to give it back. Give the ball to us, we put the ball out because there was an injured player, but after this it was very strange. ‘My opinion is there was a big foul, but nothing happened and then they scored a goal. It was very strange.’ On his uneasy exchange with Arteta, Ranieri added: ‘I told him there is no respect in that action.’ Arteta felt his side did nothing wrong. He said: ‘I have to defend my players, my team and my club. I would say we are the most honest team and, in some stages, we can even become naive. But still if he felt like that towards our club, our team, I have to apologise if that’s the case — but I am sure there is no intention to take any advantage.’ The win extended Arsenal’s unbeaten run to ten games in all competitions. Arteta, celebrating his 100th match in charge, said: ‘It is great for any team to win before an international break. Hopefully when they are back we maintain that and keep the run going.’ Despite Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang missing a second successive penalty, Arteta has no plans to strip him of the responsibility. He said: ‘He will stay on penalties if he is happy to do so. Missing is part of your career.’ Scotland supporters will be concerned that Kieran Tierney did not make it off the bench for Arsenal after his return from injury but at least there were no further injury worries over the defender ahead of the World Cup qualifying double-header with Moldova and Denmark.