Mikel Arteta and Jamie Carragher in agreement as Palace draw with Arsenal

Add as preferred source on Google

Mikel Arteta and Jamie Carragher share the same opinion, when discussing James McArthur and his tackle on Arsenal wonderkid Bukayo Saka.

Arsenal drew 2-2 with Palace on Monday night, despite Patrick Vieira’s side arguably being much the better. The ex-Arsenal gaffer returned home.

The Gunners took the lead through Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who tapped home after Nicolas Pepe saw an effort saved by Vicente Guaita.

But Palace came roaring back – Christian Benteke taking advantage of a mistake from Thomas Partey. Then, Albert Lokonga was at fault.

He gave the ball away to Conor Gallagher. A quick counter saw Odsonne Edouard crash home his third Palace goal. But there was another twist.

Alexandre Lacazette scored with seconds left, to draw 2-2 – but many believe Palace should have been reduced to 10 man, McArthur the culprit.

Replays showed the Scotland midfielder kicking out at Saka, contacting the Gunners ace on the calf. A full-blooded kick. Arteta and Carragher reacted.

Arteta said, as per BBC Live’s coverage: “It’s a clear red card. No intention to play the ball. I don’t know how with VAR he hasn’t been sent off.”

Carragher, as per Football Daily: “That is an obvious error. It should have been overturned. Crystal Palace won’t be complaining too much.”

Arteta and Carragher agree: Palace lucky to finish Arsenal clash with 11

It is the venom in the strike from McArthur that makes one wince. With 100% power, he catches the back of Saka’s leg and it is a red card.

What is worrying, is that even with VAR, the decision has not been made to turn that into a red card. Saka could have easily broken his leg.

Thankfully, he did not. But had he done, many would argue that then – and only, then – would VAR have deduced a red card was necessary.

Much like the injury suffered by Harvey Elliott against Leeds. McArthur and Palace lucky – on another day, it is red and Arsenal go on to win against 10.