Arsenal’s 9 Red Cards Under Mikel Arteta: Correct Decisions?

David Luiz vs Manchester City – 17/06/20

Here he is again.

The first game back after Project Restart was a hellish one for Arsenal, who travelled north to face Manchester City having been on an eight-game unbeaten run in the Premier League prior to lockdown. Step forward Luiz.

Brushing over his error for the opener, this time Riyad Mahrez gave him the slip and ran through on goal. Luiz knowing full well he wasn’t going to catch him, opted to get a good grip of his shoulder and pull him back.

In much of the same vein as at Stamford Bridge, in these situations it’s best to let the goalkeeper try and do is job. You can haul him down or trust in your teammate. Luiz opted for the former.

Red Card Decision: Correct

Eddie Nketiah vs Leicester – 07/07/20

If Aubameyang’s wasn’t already a perfect example of a ‘striker’s challenge’, then Eddie Nketiah’s was.

Leading 1-0 at home to Leicester in July, the Foxes were starting to knock on the door in the closing stages without ever truly troubling Arsenal. Their task was made easier (or harder depending on your view of ten men defending) when Nketiah received his marching orders.

Caglar Soyuncu’s header back to James Justin was risky, so Nketiah saw the opportunity to pounce on the loose pass. With eyes fixed on the ball, he stuck his leg out. Justin was quicker, knocking the ball forward which resulted in the forward’s studs catching his knee.

Nothing malicious about it, it was nevertheless a very, very poor tackle.

VAR reviewed it and the decision was a red card. Nobody can have any complaints about the challenge, which was high and dangerous.

Red Card Decision: Correct

Nicolas Pepe vs Leeds – 22/11/20

What an idiot.

Is Ezgjan Alioski a pleasant man? No.

Does it matter? No.

Did Nicolas Pepe let his team, manager and fans down? Yes.

No point debating.

Red Card Decision: What do you think?

Granit Xhaka vs Burnley – 13/12/20

Just as needless as Pepe’s, on this occasion Granit Xhaka’s head just went. He lost it. For no reason at all.

Having cynically taken down Dwight McNeil for a classic ‘professional foul’, the winger reacted strongly to the Swiss’ challenge. There were a few strong words exchanged. No biggie.

Ashley Westwood then got involved and having inadvertently tripped Xhaka, the midfielder got up and put his hand around Westwood’s throat. Was it the trip or something he said? Who cares, it was a red card.

It was 0-0 at this point with Arsenal on top.

Red Card Decision: Correct

Gabriel Magalhaes vs Southampton – 16/12/20

Wrestling their way back into the game through the brilliance of Bukayo Saka, Arsenal were on the ascendancy against Southampton having gone five Premier League matches without tasting victory.

A first half in which Paul Tierney made some questionable decisions not to dish out yellow cards, Gabriel received his first yellow after the break. In the context of the game the referee could easily have kept his cards in his pocket.

Those inconsistencies were what riled fans when the Brazilian went shown a second booking for  hauling down Theo Walcott not long after. There can be no arguments about the yellow card after he put his hands on the forward to slow him down, yet over the course of the game it felt unjust.

Of course, arguments will be made that he was lucky during the win at Old Trafford so the ‘evens itself out’ debate will come into effect. Based on the overall decision making of the referee, perhaps a tad unjust.

Red Card Decision: Correct, if somewhat debatable