Morning all.
For many years we’ve suspected the PGMOL, as they’re called now, have been anti Arsenal. Some less than others for sure but there are a handful who I’d be more than happy if they were never involved in an Arsenal match again. Michael Oliver and the chumps operating VAR yesterday are a part of that group. They must have been the only people who thought Myles Lewis-Skelly deserved a straight red card for tripping up Matt Doherty just outside the Wolves penalty area. Was it serious foul play? Absolutely not. Denying a goal scoring opportunity? Absolutely not. Cynical? Yes, a booking would have been justified.
I was listening to 5Live, the commentators were shocked that the decision wasn’t overturned by VAR, Tim Sherwood and Dermot Gallagher on Sky Sports said no way was it a red card offence. Chris Sutton: “Total incompetence” and ex Totts man Jamie O’Hara: “Ridiculous, never a red” and Alan Shearer said the sending off was “one of the worst decisions I’ve seen in a long time”.
I mention the above opinions because they are not typically pro Arsenal.
Oliver’s refereeing stats from Whoscored.com
Liverpool: 1 red card in 56 games
Man City: 0 red cards in 50 games
Arsenal: 8 red cards, including yesterday’s, in 55 games
Oliver should be held accountable for making such an outrageously bad decision which could have cost us points. Thankfully it didn’t but it did mean our nine outfield players had to work a lot harder until Wolves had a player sent off themselves 34 playing minutes later.
Ethan Nwaneri made way for Riccardo Calafiori at the break and as much as it was a logical decision to make, Mikel Arteta could easily have gone with Kieran Tierney but he didn’t. As it turned out, Calafiori scored a great goal to win the game.
Both teams had chances to take the lead in the first half through Sarabia and Havertz but we went into halftime honours even.
The Arsenal players came out after the break, clearly determined to not let Oliver or Wolves defeat them. Declan Rice had a shot saved, David Raya saved one up the other end. A great free kick from Rice was headed over the bar by Havertz before Cunha forced Raya into making another fine save.
Then came the Wolves sending off and the playing field was level again. Five minutes later, we struck gold. Our goal came from a Gabriel Martinelli cross which Wolves didn’t clear well enough. Calafiori’s eyes must have lit up before firing his shot into the net off the post. Raya made another good save late in the game to ensure we kept hold of three precious points away from home.
Post match, Mikel Arteta said:
It is that clear and I will leave it to you guys. I am absolutely fuming. But I will leave it with you, it is that obvious that I don’t think my words are going to help.
Asked if Arsenal will appeal the sending off, Arteta replied:
That’s for the club to decide what is the best decision. It’s that obvious that maybe we don’t even need to [put in an appeal.
If the PGMOL/FA – whoever makes the decisions, had an ounce of common sense, they would have already withdrawn the red card against Myles Lewis-Skelly but they haven’t. It’s going to be pretty embarrassing for them if they don’t though because as Wrighty said, anyone who knows anything about football regardless of what level, knows that Oliver got it wrong….
Anyway, a big fat well done to Mikel Arteta and the players for fighting as hard as they did to prevent Oliver from bursting Oliver’s anti Arsenal bubble!
Next up for Arsenal is a trip to Spain to face Girona with just point needed to secure a place in the knockout round. The draw for the knockouts takes place on Friday at midday.
Catch up in the comments…
Good morning Rico.
The condemnation of Oliver’s ludicrous decision is pretty much universal. Only a few ex-members of the refereeing tribe have reached the same conclusion as The Clown ( formally known as Michael Oliver).
Honestly, and cynically, I don’t expect the red card to be rescinded. If it was it would mean the PGMOL’s poster boy would have to be stood down and the (dis)organisation would be left with enough egg on its face to feed omelettes to the population of a small country.
A tough game awaits Arsenal in the Women’s Super League later, away to leaders Chelsea, Arsenal are on a good run under our new permanent head coach and we will have to be at our best to get anything from the game. Kick off 12.30 live on BBC 2. One handicap our girls won’t have to face is a certain anti Arsenal male referee. 😉
On this occasion I don’t think Oliver can be blamed, his angle wasn’t the best – however his tendency to give Arsenal reds does need to be looked at.
This time there needs to be a deep investigation into what on earth the VAR referee was doing, it simply isn’t enough to keep apologising afterwards.
I’m a Wolves fan and I have to say I was shocked that didn’t get over turned, I’d say questionable yellow but a red absolutely not, Gomes second yellow was worse than that
Morning Cicero, all.
I think the pgmol, should they not overturn the red card will show them for what they are. Bad!
That game yesterday should have been a good one with 11 v 11 but was ruined.
Agree Alistair, the Gomes challenge was worse, a potential ankle breaker.
Anthony, if you’re saying he couldn’t see it, then how can he jump to the conclusion that a red card was justified. VAR should have stepped in and put him right in any case.
Morning Rico and all,
it’s definitely a weird red card, and going by reports I have read, the PGMOL claim it was correct as he dragged his stoppers down the Wolves player leg. which is not a surprise as they often back there ref’s when it comes to yellow or red cars awarded against us.
Morning Geoff, replays would show MLS simply tripped him up..
Morning Rico, I think your post was quite understated and reasonable and kudos to Alastair.
We’ve been here before haven’t we, the favouritism shown to Alex Ferguson and his British team vs those damned Wenger foreigners.
That was an eye opening graph Rico but not a surprise, I wonder if anyone knows how many red cards we’ve had in europe over the last 5/10 years in comparison with other regular competitors in UEFA competitions?
Morning Kev, all we’ve only ever asked for and expected is fairness. No favours just fairness and consistency. The stats on the table from Whoscored is shocking really.
Rico all we have ever asked for is fairness, expecting it has never been believable.
Agreed Cicero.
Good afternoon Rico and all
Good post Rico…..had that been a court case you would have made a fine AG prosecution. Its a pity that MO is not in the dock. That would have shut him up.
I think the PGMOL will act and maybe rescind the card…..simply because everyone is condemning it. They DO know that if they dont rescind it, the saga will rumble on…..when you have Shearer and co condemning it, when you have Mike Dean saying that its dubious, when you have even Maltese and Italian commentators in Sports Programs showing it on their channels and asking questions about the decision, then it would be farcical and ridiculous to sweep it under the carpet.
Yesterday’s decision was talked about even on Italian sports channels during the EPL roundup.
So I would be very surprised to see the FA back Oliver up over this.
Did Arsenal ever consider Justin Kluivert (Bournemouth)?
Arsenal go into the final round of the Champions League without qualifying. However, if you remember correctly, if the clear penalty against Merino against Inter had been awarded, and the same had been awarded, the situation would have been different. For the better. In other words, we are facing a double penalty from the referee (and VAR): not only did he not award a penalty, he did not caution the goalkeeper and in the event of a goal, Arsenal would be in the next phase, but months later, possibly due to the goal not being converted , Arsenal are dependent on themselves to get to the next round.
Afternoon Devil, thanks.
I don’t think they will unless it’s to save face. I’ve watched a video, probably the one Geoff was talking about and it shows an angle which makes the challenge look worse. Oliver wouldn’t have seen it in real time and VAR would have had to scrutinise the incident for a good few minutes to spot it. I’m sure that video will be the one which the PGMOL use in their defence.
To think I thought the football laws were about clear and obvious… pff!!
Probably not Jm.
One could look back at the Saka penalty which wasn’t given against Bayern too. Rules for one and another for Arsenal all too often.
I said last night that I would keep my powder dry until I had seen MOTD , but in the meantime I think my powder Monkey took at trip to Berkshire as you have covered most already.
The crowd at Molineux were singing “” Premier League it’s all corrupt”” and”” Michael Oliver it’s all about you”” but really he is only a pawn in the whole game.
Micheal Oliver is a Newcastle supporter , he has been photographed at their matches in a Newcastle shirt . We are due to play Newcastle in the second leg of the league cup and by giving a straight red he has ensured that Lewis Skelly will miss that game.
Howard Webb leader of the PGMOL must have been aware of this , common sense would say that anyone with an ounce of it would have seen the danger and he also must be aware of Oliver’s obvious dislike of Arsenal that it was something to avoid but “no”.
Is it corruption or a lack of competence ?
Until the PGMOL’s internal workings are forced to being exposed we will never know and the situation will never become clear . Suspicion , rumours , conspiricy theories will do the rounds and in fact it will make refereeing even harder.
Then we come to VAR and the blanket cover ups and all the old lags get wheeled out to toe the company line . Dean starts off saying it’s harsh and then back pedals .Another claims that Doherty’s Achillies tendon is on his shin , no doubt Hacket will have his say and a few others will chime in and the whole affair will pass into insignificance when the next foul up takes place.
We might appeal , we might not . If we do it might be upheld and we won’t see MLS for 5 matches , it’s gamble but one with a tilted table.
The women are a bit like the men, miss too many chances. They should have beaten Chelsea
Tbh I dont think that its all 100% because MO supports this club and that club. That might play but the percentage of that is small.
Has anyone ever thought that he might have a relative or a very very close friend who plays online betting and then shares money???
As a former coach myself, plus any player and ref we are all obliged to refrain from playing any betting on football. Even on games outside our country. This is all over the world. What this guarantee does not say is that it does not stop my wife or son from placing bets. nor my dad or mum or brother or sister.
So, even if he supports City or NUFC, the truth is not fully 100% because of that. The proper truth probably lies in bets placed by third parties in his name. If my wife wins a good amount and then transfers it to a joint account I will still get the money when I want. nothing wrong in that. And I never placed any bet but my wife and son (who wants his own place, his own car and new clothes etc) can. So I did nothing wrong.
The problem is that we will always give any ref a decision to make….whether intentional or unintentional
Spot on Potter. I didn’t give a thought to the Newcastle game though. All the more reason to not let Tierney leave I guess.
Tierney, Partey and Jorginho should not be allowed to leave imo. Neither Zinchenko (unless a very good offer comes our way). Tierney can play LB, CB and LW at a stretch. Partey bosses the midfield well while he and Jorginho can provide good cover.
I think they’ll all go in the summer, Jesus too had he not picked up an injury.
Spuddies lost at home to Leicester
Good 😂
I agree with Devil, anyone who is under contract should understand that they’ll have to stay until the summer unless a transfer fee is forthcoming, so no loaning out Zinchenko and no early free transfer for Tierney or Jorginho, all are well paid and those clubs after our players wouldn’t do us any favours.
It’s just business
Vlahovic dropped amid Premier League rumours
Dusan Vlahovic was dropped by Juventus against Napoli on Saturday for Randal Kolo Muani amid fresh links to the Premier League, reports the Sunday Mirror.
The paper links Arsenal, who were interested in Vlahovic when he moved to Turin in 2022, with a potential January move.
When we signed Tierney from Celtic they insisted that we pay the full fee up front so we don’t owe them any good faith.
There’s no way that Zinchenko should go out on loan, not unless there is an obligation to buy.
Jorginho is simply too important to loan out/release, personally I would have kept him for another year.
Rico….if there is an agreement with Sesko and with his club over a summer move I don’t think Vlahovic will be a gunner. According to Italian media (if this is true) Arsenal wanted a loan deal till summer but Juventus refused
I agree about Jorginho Kev. He should retire with us and stay there. He is doing his coaching badges and is like a coach during the game when playing. Arteta trusts him a lot
Agree, we need to strengthen the squad, not weaken it.
Just had this pointed out to me ,Webb did the same at Bournemouth when Jarred Gillett, a Liverpool fan, was the VAR for the game. It was the week before we played Liverpool and John Brooke gave a yellow. Gillett told him to to the screen and upgrade to red. Result Saliba was suspended for the game. it’s either inept, mere coincidence or plain corrupt.
My money is it’s not a coincidence..
Typical Emery, focuses so much on getting a result at Arsenal his team then goes and blows a lead at home to West Ham. Martinez again playing like drama queen.
going to be hard to sell or loan senior players unless we have another one coming in that is not injured. as others had said we need to strenghen our squad not make it any thiner than it is already.
I cannot see the officials changing the red card.
New post up.