“They don’t want Arsenal to win the league” - Arsenal fans notice how Manchester City star escaped punishment for incident after Trossard red card
Arsenal fans have criticized the officiating in the Gunners' draw against Manchester City on Sunday (22 September). Supporters are fuming after Leandro Trossard was sent off in the fixture.
The north Londoners locked horns with the Cityzens in a crucial Premier League showdown at the Etihad this weekend. Erling Haaland swiftly took the lead for Manchester City within the first nine minutes.
Riccardo Calafiori then found the equalizer with an extraordinary finish from outside the box in the 22nd minute. Gabriel Magalhaes' header just before the break put Arsenal 2-1 up.
However, the Gunners were dealt a blow before the first half concluded when Leandro Trossard picked up a second yellow card for delaying the restart.
Mikel Arteta's side managed to keep things level for most of the second half, defending against a very aggressive Manchester City side. However, the Cityzens salvaged a draw thanks to John Stones' stoppage-time equalizer.
Supporters were incensed by referee Michael Oliver's decision to send Trossard off and their frustration grew after highlighting a similar incident involving Jeremy Doku. The Manchester City winger could be seen delaying the restart in a similar fashion in the first half.
However, he did not receive a yellow for it, and fans cannot believe the inconsistency in the officiating.
Here are more of their reactions:
"I am convinced now. They don't want Arsenal to win the league" claimed one fan.
"Inconsistent" one supporter commented.
"Opposition fans will ignore this btw" wrote another.
"Same every week" one fan wrote.
The Gunners will next face Bolton Wanderers in the EFL Cup on 25 September.
"He has so much personality and quality" - Mikel Arteta 'impressed' with Arsenal star's performance against Man City
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has heaped praise on Riccardo Calafiori, insisting that he was quite impressed with his performance against Manchester City.
The Gunners secured Calafiori's services from Bologna this summer for a reported £42 million fee. The Italian defender, who shined at the 2024 European Championships, made his first start for Arsenal against the Cityzens.
The 22-year-old will certainly be happy with his debut start for the Gunners, having scored an exceptional goal against their title rivals, and Arteta was elated as well. He said after the game (per the club's official website):
"He was great. Again, to have the debutants start a game in the Premier League in this context. He has so much personality and quality, I was really impressed."
Arteta's side are currently fourth in the Premier league table with 11 points, while Manchester City are on top with 13 points.