Anger and confusion at Arsenal over red card: 'This is so obvious...'

Arsenal faced a dramatic and contentious clash against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday, marked by a controversial red card and a late, hard-fought victory.

Just before halftime, referee Michael Oliver issued a red card to Myles Lewis-Skelly following what he deemed a dangerous challenge on Wolves' full-back Matt Doherty. The incident occurred as Doherty sprinted down the pitch with the ball after a cleared corner, only to be caught on the ankle by Lewis-Skelly. The decision to send off the young Arsenal player sparked immediate outrage among The Gunners, who felt the punishment was overly harsh.

Jurriën Timber, one of Arsenal’s defensive stalwarts, was particularly vocal in his protests, arguing with the referee to the point of receiving a yellow card for dissent. The frustration was evident throughout the Arsenal squad, as they believed Lewis-Skelly’s actions did not warrant such a severe sanction. The decision left Arsenal with a significant challenge, playing the remainder of the game with only ten men.

On the sidelines, match-winner Riccardo Calafiori, who would later become the hero of the match, watched the incident unfold and shared his disbelief. "From the bench, it was clearly not a red card," the Italian defender said in a post-match interview with Sky Sports. Calafiori empathized with Lewis-Skelly, who was understandably disappointed, but he also emphasized the team’s focus on the bigger picture. "Of course, he was upset, but in the end, we won, and he’ll be happy about that. There’s nothing to worry about."

The controversy did not end on the pitch. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta expressed his fury during the post-match press conference, directing his frustration at the decision-making process. He chose to leave further judgment to the English media, confident that the error in Oliver’s judgment would be evident. "I’m really furious, but I’ll leave it to you. This is so obvious that I have nothing to add," Arteta remarked, visibly frustrated. When asked whether Arsenal would appeal the red card, Arteta left the decision to the club but hinted that the apparent nature of the error might make an appeal unnecessary. "That’s up to the club. But this is so clear that it might not even be needed."

The possibility of overturning the red card gained traction as former referee Mike Dean weighed in on the matter. Dean stated that Arsenal has a strong case for appeal, which could prevent an automatic suspension for Lewis-Skelly. Tim Sherwood, a former Tottenham Hotspur player and manager, surprisingly echoed this sentiment despite his connections to Arsenal's rival. "I don’t understand why Michael Oliver sent Lewis-Skelly off for that," Sherwood said, adding to the growing consensus that the decision was a mistake.

Mentality Shines Through

Despite the uphill battle of playing with ten men, Arsenal demonstrated their resilience and determination to secure the victory. The second half saw Arteta make tactical adjustments, including introducing Calafiori to reinforce the backline after Lewis-Skelly’s dismissal. Arsenal continued to press forward, and their efforts paid off 15 minutes before the final whistle. Calafiori, the January signing from Roma, stepped up when it mattered most, scoring the decisive goal to give Arsenal the lead.

The match took another dramatic turn shortly before Calafiori’s goal, as Wolves were also reduced to ten men following a red card for João Gomes. This development leveled the playing field and provided Arsenal with an opportunity to capitalize on their numerical equality. Arteta’s squad seized the moment, maintaining their composure and displaying exceptional tactical discipline to see out the victory.

After the match, Arteta couldn’t contain his pride for his team’s performance under challenging circumstances. "What these boys continue to do is incredible. The courage and intelligence with which we played were exceptional," Arteta said, praising the mental fortitude of his players. "I’m so proud of how this team performs under any circumstances. They are unstoppable and always ready to fight."

The victory not only highlighted Arsenal’s ability to overcome adversity but also kept their momentum alive in the race for the Premier League title. While the controversy surrounding Lewis-Skelly’s red card may linger, the team’s focus remains on the positives most notably, their unwavering determination to fight until the very end. With key players like Calafiori stepping up and Arteta’s tactical leadership shining through, Arsenal continues to solidify their reputation as one of the league’s most formidable sides.