Mikel Arteta Breaks Silence After Trossard’s Red Card in Arsenal’s Draw With City

by · YEN.com.gh News · Join
  • Mikel Arteta has finally reacted to Leandro Trossard's controversial red card during Arsenal's stalemate with Manchester City
  • The 42-year-old, who was furious with referee Michael Oliver's decision, aimed a thinly-veiled critique in his verdict
  • Meanwhile, the Gunners would have to quickly get over the result as they face Bolton in the Carabao Cup on September 25

PAY ATTENTION: Follow YEN's WhatsApp channel for a daily dose of breaking news on the go!

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has reflected on his side's dramatic 2-2 draw against Manchester City, a result that could have been a landmark victory at the Etihad.

Arteta's charges came agonisingly close to breaking City's home fortress, nearly becoming the first visiting team to claim all three points there since Brentford’s win in November 2022.

A win would have propelled Arsenal to the top of the Premier League table.

Mikel Arteta was filled with fury after Leandro Trossard's controversial red card during Arsenal's 2-2 draw with Manchester City. Photos by Carl Recine.
Source: Getty Images

Late goal denies Arsenal victory at Man City

The Gunners were dealt a blow in the dying moments when John Stones struck an equaliser in the 98th minute, extinguishing Arsenal's hopes of a major triumph.

PAY ATTENTION: Follow us on Instagram - get the most important news directly in your favourite app!

It was a hard-fought contest, with City drawing first blood through Erling Haaland, whose predatory instincts saw him net in the ninth minute.

However, Arsenal showed resilience and fought back.

Ricardo Calafiori, on his full debut for the North London club, found the net, levelling the score before Gabriel Magalhaes headed Arsenal into the lead.

Leandro Trossard's controversial red card

Their comeback seemed to shift the momentum, but the real twist came in first-half stoppage time when Leandro Trossard was controversially sent off.

The red card forced Arsenal to adapt, retreating into an ultra-defensive posture for the entirety of the second half.

The Gunners effectively employed a low block, ceding the ball to their opponents and focusing on stifling City's attacks.

This defensive strategy meant that Arsenal had a mere 12.5% possession in the second half—a tactical shift that underscored the team's survival mode.

City, meanwhile, launched an attacking onslaught, with a staggering 28 shots recorded in the second half alone—a figure reminiscent of the unforgettable title-winning match against QPR in 2012, featuring Sergio Aguero’s iconic strike, per the BBC.

Arteta reflects on Trossard's red card

In his post-match comments, Arteta, clearly frustrated by officiating, gave a veiled criticism of the referee’s decision to send Trossard off.

“Red card? I prefer not to comment... I've seen it. It's that obvious,” the Arsenal boss said, as quoted by Fabrizio Romano.
“I’m expecting now 100 Premier League games to be played 10 against 11.”

Mikel Arteta filled with fury after red card incident

Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported that Mikel Arteta was visibly furious after Leandro Trossard received a red card during their Premier League clash against Manchester City.

The Belgian forward was dismissed for kicking the ball away in the closing moments of first-half stoppage time.

New feature: Сheck out news that is picked for YOU ➡️ click on “Recommended for you” and enjoy!

Source: YEN.com.gh