Arsenal vs Wolves: 4 Talking Points From Red Card Ruin

Arsenal slumped to a 2-1 defeat away at Wolves on Tuesday night, with David Luiz and Bernd Leno being brandished straight red cards either side of half-time.

With Bukayo Saka back in the side it was hoped Arsenal could pick up from where they’d left off with him in the side; namely, very strongly.

It was exactly that. Everything clicked from top the bottom with Thomas Partey running the show and Saka in an electric mood. The 19-year-old nearly opened the scoring seconds into the match only to be denied by the post, with Rui Patricio then taking it upon himself to prevent his next effort.

Carving Wolves open, the goal came in unusually individual fashion given the football on display as Nicolas Pepe pulled off two nutmegs ahead of discovering he possessed something called a right foot. The finish was superb.

Talking points as Arsenal are shown two red cards in 2-1 defeat to Wolves

David Luiz was then shown a straight red card for a foul on Willian Jose in the penalty box after Arsenal were caught napping (more on that shortly) – Ruben Neves made no mistake from the penalty spot. Neither did Joao Moutinho, who’s sublime rocket put the hosts in front after the break. Bernd Leno wrapped the points up for Wolves with his own sending off (more on that shortly).

The result brings an end to a seven-match Premier League unbeaten run for Arsenal, who miss out on the chance to temporarily move up to sixth in the table, albeit playing more games than their rivals.

Well, where do we start? Ah yes, there.

Red Cards Cost Arsenal

Let’s kick off with the first one, shall we? Well, in fact, let’s start with some lackadaisical defending at a stage where Arsenal dropped their focus expecting the half-time whistle to blow. It’s inexcusable, and shouldn’t be happening.

Now, what about the sending off? It is, categorically, wrong. Talking about refereeing performances after matches soothes no burns, nor does it right wrongs. Nobody wants to be discussing it. On this occasion, however, it’s unavoidable.

David Luiz should never have been sent off. To his actual credit (sort of…ish), he avoided going for a deliberate foul in situations where he’s been guilty so many times of opting for lunacy. Defensively Arsenal should never have been there, mind you.

Yet, he has made no effort to foul Jose. No intent at all. The ‘triple punishment’ rule was brought in to avoid this very instance. Jose’s studs graze his thigh. He doesn’t kick him.

Anyway, it’s all fine. VAR is here. That’s what it’s for; y’know, amending on-field errors.

Ah, apparently not. It is a farce and the decision also made a mockery of a system that has genuinely started showing improvements this season. Not always, but generally so.

As for Bernd Leno…well, his brain capitulated. An unthinkable error from a goalkeeper who’s been so consistent this season. More on that here.