Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta says he expects “100 Premier League games” this season to see players sent off for delaying restarts after Leandro Trossard received a second yellow card for the offence during Sunday’s 2-2 draw with Manchester City.
Trossard had been booked by referee Michael Oliver for a foul on Savinho midway through the first half of the game at the Etihad Stadium. Just before the break, Trossard was then pulled up for a foul before kicking the ball away after Oliver had blown his whistle and shown a second yellow card.
Trossard’s sending off drew comparisons to that of team-mate Declan Rice, when the midfielder was shown a second yellow card for kicking the ball away during Arsenal’s 1-1 draw against Brighton & Hove Albion last month.
#MCIARS 45+7′
The referee issued a second yellow card to Leandro Trossard for delaying the restart.
— Premier League Match Centre (@PLMatchCentre) September 22, 2024
Arsenal had a 2-1 lead against City when Trossard was sent off, keeping the hosts at bay for almost the full second half before conceding a 98th-minute equaliser from substitute John Stones.
“I prefer not to comment,” Arteta said when asked about Trossard’s dismissal. “I’ve seen it and it’s that obvious so I’ll leave it to you guys. I was already in big trouble trying to solve what happened on the pitch. It’s not my problem to solve what happens off the pitch.”
Asked about a previous incident in the game where City winger Jeremy Doku appeared to kick the ball away when Arsenal had been awarded a free kick, Arteta added: “That’s what I’m saying.
“It’s that obvious that it’s not necessary to comment on it. It’s the second time. I’m expecting 100 Premier League games to be, 10 against 11 or nine vs 10 this season. Let’s see.”
After the red card, Arteta brought Ben White on for Bukayo Saka at half-time. White had been a surprise absentee from the starting line-up, with Jurrien Timber moving over to play right-back and Riccardo Calafiori getting his first Premier League start at left-back.
“Yeah,” Arteta said when asked if White had an injury. “We didn’t want to (play him that long), but we had to. I spoke to him yesterday and I wanted to protect him.
“He’s not going to ever tell you that he’s not fit. He will run through a brick wall for you. The intention was not to use him today. But I’m very grateful because he performed extremely well.”
Erling Haaland had given City an early lead before Calafiori equalised from distance and Gabriel gave Arsenal the lead with a header.
Arteta also refused to comment on Haaland appearing to throw the ball at Gabriel’s head following Stones’ late equaliser.
The draw sees City remain at the top of the league table, while Arsenal are fourth and two points behind Pep Guardiola’s side.
(Top photo: Carl Recine/Getty Images)
