The Football Faithful
·25 Januari 2025
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Yahoo sportsThe Football Faithful
·25 Januari 2025
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was “absolutely fuming” over Myles Lewis-Skelly’s red card during Saturday’s 1-0 win over Wolves in the Premier League.
The left-back was sent off following a late challenge on Matt Doherty, which was deemed serious foul play by referee Michael Oliver. Despite the Gunners’ protests, the decision was upheld by VAR.
Wolves failed to make their advantage count, however, and were reduced to ten men themselves after Joao Gomes received a second booking in the second half for a reckless foul on William Saliba.
Mikel Arteta adjusted his team at the break his decision to bring on Riccardo Calafiori turned out to be an inspired one as the Italian broke the deadlock in the 74th minute, his low shot going in off the post.
“It’s incredible what the boys did again,” the Basque native told Sky Sports. “In the context that we were thrown in again, it was about character, personality of the team, courage and intelligence to play the game we wanted to play. It was exceptional.”
On Arsenal‘s red card, Arteta said: “It is that clear that I leave it to you guys. I am absolutely fuming but I leave it with you. Because it is that obvious. I don’t think my words are going to help.”
Asked if Arsenal would be appealing the red card, Arteta responded: “That’s for the club to decide what the best decision is. I think it’s that obvious, maybe we don’t even need to.”
Calafiori also felt that Oliver’s decision to give Lewis-Skelly his marching orders was incorrect. “From the bench, it was clearly not a red card,” he told Sky Sports.
“I saw him at half-time and he was so disappointed for the team. But in the end we won, so nothing happened. He is a good footballer and a good guy, so we help him a lot.”