Arsenal held Manchester City to a 2-2 draw in an intense and controversial Premier League classic at the Eithad Stadium.
The visitors were just minutes apart from claiming their first victory at the Etihad Stadium since 2015, but John Stones 98th-minute goal proved otherwise. Mikel Arteta’s men won’t be happy with the way the game ended.
Much attention was given to referee Michael Oliver, who gave a debatable red card to Leandro Trossard. He made a number of soft decisions that directly affected the outcome of the game.
Michael Oliver has sent off an Arsenal player 7 times in his career, more than any other team. 🟥 pic.twitter.com/pGGD6c56YG
— WhoScored.com (@WhoScored) September 22, 2024
Michael Oliver ruins the game for Arsenal
The game started in an extremely aggressive fashion as Kai Havertz barged down Rodri within five seconds of kick-off. The midfielder injured his knee while running into Thomas Partey. The game halted for a brief period, and he had to be taken off.
Man City striker Erling Haaland opened the scoreline with a calm finish in the ninth minute. Arsenal new signing Riccardo Calafiori hit a curling rocket past Ederson after the Gunners took a quick free-kick in the 22nd minute.
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After the goal, manager Pep Guardiola was seen kicking the bench in frustration. His players were confronting the referee for a foul but didn’t realise Arteta’s men were taking a quick set-piece from behind. Gabriel Maghalaes scored the second for the North London outfit in the 46th minute via a corner.
Arsenal ace Trossard was sent off just before halftime for kicking the ball away after Oliver whistled to stop for his foul on Bernardo Silva. Arteta was furious with this decision, claiming that his team might be playing with 10 men for the entire season.
Mikel Arteta on Trossard’s red card:
“I prefer not to comment. I’ve seen it. It’s that obvious.”
“I’m expecting 100 Premier League games to be played 10 against 11.” 🤬
🔗 https://t.co/gO25sfqLJl pic.twitter.com/5nB3t4cfDk
— Hayters TV (@HaytersTV) September 22, 2024
There were plenty of signs hinting that the calm atmosphere of the game is changing, and the referee was at equal fault for this. Although Arzdnak struggled with 10 men, they were able to keep the home side at bay.
David Raya was in sublime form once again, and he kept them in the game until the 98th minute. Man City defender John Stones scrambled home an equaliser seconds before the final whistle.
Man United legend Peter Schmeichel ripped into referee Oliver for going soft against Trossard in the red card incident. He also slammed the 39-year-old for being the centre of attraction throughout the contest. While talking about the game with Via Play, he said:
“This is the most important game in the Premier League so far! Soft yellow cards! Why is Michael Oliver trying to spoil it? It’s a big game, emotions are running high—understand what you’re dealing with, but no—Michael Oliver wants to be the center of attention!”
The referee doing favours for Man City yet again
With tempers boiling and inconsistent decisions being taken, the fans argued that City winger Jeremy Doku should have been given a card for deliberately delaying the start.
No yellow for Doku btw…
Can’t let Michael Oliver referee this match anymore. He can’t handle it pic.twitter.com/lEUzR8Kaxb
— Antonio (@TheAntOrtiz) September 22, 2024
The fans also argued that Trossard kicked the ball just 0.5 seconds after the whistle and that the margin was too small to be punished. The referee has handed seven red cards to Arsenal, the more than any other club.
Opta stats confirmed that both teams kept the ball in play for 35 minutes in the second half, the most by any team this season. Then why did PGMOL appointed referee Oliver decide to add eight minutes of extra time?
The referee made a similar biased decision in last season’s clash between the two sides. He didn’t handed a red card to Matteo Kovacic for a vicious foul, as he ‘didn’t wanted to ruin the game’.
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It looked like Oliver was the 12th man for City, and he should get a man of the match award for his performance on Sunday.
