After three red cards in eight games, Arsenal supporters will probably be feeling just as frustrated with their players as they will be with Premier League officials.
Mikel Arteta’s side have been hard done by, but it’s hard to say that the Arsenal players are doing themselves any favours at the same time.
After Leandro Trossard’s mistake, William Saliba put himself in an incredibly precarious situation against Bournemouth – he was probably surprised to see a yellow card initially.
Alan Shearer thought Saliba deserved to be sent off, and it’s hard to argue otherwise even if Chelsea’s Tosin Adarabioyo stayed on the pitch after a similar incident at Anfield.
That being said, some feel as if Arsenal’s rivals, Manchester City, are also getting a better rub of the green in terms of officiating in their games right now.
Gary O’Neil suggests there’s a bias towards Arsenal rivals Man City
In particular, Wolverhampton Wanderers manager Gary O’Neil seemed to feel that way after his side’s late 2-1 loss to City on Sunday.
Speaking at his press conference after the game, O’Neil suggested that there was a bias towards Pep Guardiola’s side right now – something you’d never say about Arsenal.
Sharing his thoughts, O’Neil said: “Is there something in the subconscious around the decision-making?
“Without even knowing it, are you more likely to give it to Manchester City than Wolves? My focus and senses are heightened when we’re facing Man City, Pep and Haaland.
“Are the officials the same when it’s Haaland and Manchester City? Is there something in there, not on purpose, that influences decision-making?
“I’ve spoken to them about this and they guarantee me there isn’t, but they are human.
“I can categorically tell you that they definitely don’t mean to. I just know from a human point of view, it’s tough.
“If I had to upset someone in a street and there was a little guy and a big guy, I’m going to upset the little guy. Maybe there is something that edges it in that direction when it’s really tight.”
Mikel Arteta needs to be brave against Liverpool
Although Arsenal have a Champions League tie with Shakhtar Donetsk on Tuesday, Arteta will no doubt also have one on Liverpool’s visit to the Emirates Stadium next weekend, too.
The Gunners will be without Saliba, meaning Ben White might shift into right centre-back, with Jurrien Timber playing as a full-back.
But perhaps Arsenal fans will be more concerned about Ethan Nwaneri finding a place in the side.
Arsenal supporters criticised Arteta for his line up against Bournemouth, saying it ‘lacked bravery’ with the benefit of hindsight.
But ultimately Arteta will trust his own convictions, and it’ll be interesting to see how the Arsenal manager navigates some difficult Premier League ties to come.
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