Oliver quickly decided to send off Trossard, leaving Arsenal with 10 men just before halftime.
However, new footage provides a different perspective on the red card, suggesting it was unjustified. As Trossard attempted to kick the ball, the referee appeared to signal for a free-kick, indicating the dismissal may have been severe. At that moment, Arsenal was ahead 2-1, thanks to goals from Riccardo Calafiori, who equalized Erling Haaland’s opener, and Gabriel.
Mikel Arteta’s side nearly executed a defensive strategy in the second half until John Stones scored in the final moments.
After the match, Arteta remarked on their efficiency leading to a 2-1 lead, but noted two similar incidents with differing outcomes, which created a frustrating match for spectators. He stated, “It’s clear and obvious… My responsibility is to endure the challenging situation for 55 minutes and find a way to manage that.”
He also referenced a comparable situation involving Declan Rice against Brighton, expressing concern that this was the second similar incident in five games, which is troubling for the integrity of the Premier League. Arteta concluded, “Anyone who has played any sport knows it happens in less than a second.”
