Peter Schmeichel has openly criticized Michael Oliver after he opted to send on Leandro Trossard to delay Sunday evening’s restart.
In a clash at the top of the table that will no doubt have ramifications on who will ultimately win the Premier League title, Arsenal and Manchester City battled to a 2-2 draw.
Any predictions that the game would be a timid chess game were thrown out the window after just nine minutes when Erling Haaland tore the home side up front, splitting the Arsenal defense after a through ball from Savinho .
The Gunners fired back soon after when, unexpectedly, Riccardo Calafiori, who was making his full debut, curled a beautiful effort into the far corner to beat Ederson.
Gabriel’s bullet header gave the visitors the lead shortly before half-time, but seconds before the teams headed to the dressing rooms, disaster struck.
Red card to Leandro Trossard
Having cleared the ball and been deemed to have delayed the restart, Trossard was shown a second yellow card by the referee, much to the surprise of the Arsenal players and manager.
This is the second time this season that one of Mikel Arteta’s players has received marching orders for the same situation.
Many people questioned the decision, one of them being former Manchester City and United goalkeeper Schmeichel as he hit the referee.
“This is the most important game in the Premier League so far! Soft yellow cards! Why is Michael Oliver trying to ruin it? He said while covering the game for Through Play.
“It’s a great game, emotions run high; you understand what you’re dealing with here, but no; Michael Oliver wants himself in the spotlight!”
Top photo: Michael Regan/Getty Image
