3 reasons why there’s no need to panic after Brentford draw

LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 11: Granit Xhaka of Arsenal confronts match referee Peter Bankes during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Brentford FC at Emirates Stadium on February 11, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 11: Granit Xhaka of Arsenal confronts match referee Peter Bankes during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Brentford FC at Emirates Stadium on February 11, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) /
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3. Officials screwed us

It was not a good weekend for Premier League officiating. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
It was not a good weekend for Premier League officiating. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) /

Blaming the referees can sometimes be a result of frustration, anger, and pure emotion. In this case, it is entirely justified.

The Premier Game Match Official Limited has stated that there were “significant errors” with the offside ruling in Saturday’s game.

Arsenal’s performance wasn’t one of champions, but a gritty 1-0 victory against an in-form Brentford side would’ve been huge for the cause. Brentford certainly deserved, at minimum, a draw. Despite a frustrating game, the Gunners will be ecstatic with Leandro Trossard’s impact. His goal, assisted by Starboy Saka, was excellent, but it is the way he carries the ball that gets fans on their feet.

Perhaps he will start the next game.

Arsenal will now face titleholders Manchester City for the second time in recent weeks. The Wednesday night clash could determine who will win the Premier League this season. Arsenal’s youth ensures that one of two possibilities will occur: either the Gunners step on the throttle continuing down the road of champions, or this recent three-game wobble causes the young XI to fall. I pick the former.