Arsenal had a frustrating night on Monday as they could only pull off a draw against Crystal Palace. One of the most notable incidents of the game was James McArthur’s tackle on Bukayo Saka.
The Gunners started the game on a bright note and took an early lead through captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. The forward was quick to react after the Palace keeper had palmed away a shot from Nicolas Pepe.
But the hosts could not make their lead count as they let the Eagles get back into the match. Despite a barrage of attacks, the north Londoners went into the half-time break leading by a goal. It was a different story in the second half as Palace stuck to their plan and reaped the rewards.
To the hosts’ credit, they kept going at Palace and were rewarded seconds before the end of the game. Alexandre Lacazette pounced on a deflection to secure a vital point for the Gunners.
After the match, a lot of the attention was on what McArthur had done in the first half as he went for a bouncing ball but ended up kicking Saka on his calves from behind. Despite the violent nature of the incident, it was deemed to be only worthy of a yellow card. This angered the Arsenal fans who took to Twitter to show their frustration. Here are some of the best reactions:
English referees never fails to shame and embarrass 🤦♂️
— Olukayode Ajenifuja (@aje_olukay) October 19, 2021
I still don’t understand either how that isn’t a red card. That’s awful and probably could’ve changed the whole dynamic of the game
— KINGRDOG_OZ (@kingrdogfifa) October 19, 2021
Embarrassing! Didn’t realise how bad it was being there, obv didn’t replay at the ground!
— James Grigg (@grigja) October 19, 2021
He has his eyes on Sakas leg too. Horrific desicion, if he gets sent off the game completely changes and we could have made it 2-0
— Ryan 👀🤑 (@ESR_SZN10) October 19, 2021
Just don’t get how this was missed zero attempt to play the ball he just booted Saka! Its criminal and as for VAR wow.. (Not blaming the result on this we was poor)
— danny nichols (@damborambo1) October 19, 2021
It doesn’t matter if it was intentional or not it still happened.
Red cards are given for dangerous tackles where minimal contact is made because it could have caused serious damage… well this did make contact and somehow isn’t a red? Baffling— Daniel (@kicker_1) October 19, 2021
Arsenal Fever View:
Although it can be argued that Palace should have been down to ten men, the north Londoners will not be happy with their performance. The cutting edge was lacking throughout the game, and they also could not cope with the pressing of the hosts.
The decision to play Saka on the left wing was hindering the fluency of the team. This combined with the tackle forced Mikel Arteta to substitute the midfielder before the second half.
Arsenal need to take a long and hard look at themselves before the game on Friday against Aston Villa. Unless they are able to make significant improvements, it is hard to see them getting anything against the Villains.
Read More: Thierry Henry unsure if Arsenal are moving in ‘right direction’ under Arteta
