Mikel Arteta has admitted that he had to take off Riccardo Calafiori during their match against Nottingham Forest because the Italian was on a yellow card and could have been sent off.
Calafiori had returned to the team in the absence of Myles Lewis-Skelly and made a positive impact, nearly scoring a goal for the Gunners. However, after receiving a booking early in the game, he was at risk of being targeted by Forest’s dangerous players. With his yellow card, there was a significant danger that Calafiori could be shown a second yellow, leaving Arsenal with only ten men for the remainder of the match.
This left Arteta with no choice but to act, substituting Calafiori to avoid the risk of going down to ten players. The decision baffled some fans, who questioned why he was taken off, especially considering he is Arsenal’s second-best player in that role. Nevertheless, Arteta defended his decision, emphasising the importance of maintaining discipline.
Speaking to Arsenal Media, Arteta explained his reasoning:
“I took him because he got a yellow in the second minute. He had one or two situations defending Hudson-Odoi and we couldn’t not play again with 10 men.”
Arteta’s decision was ultimately a precautionary one, aiming to avoid putting Arsenal in a dangerous position. Had Calafiori been sent off, it could have led to a defeat, leaving the Gunners with an even greater uphill battle in the game against Forest.
Arsenal must remain disciplined and avoid similar situations in their remaining matches of the season. Arteta has warned that if they continue to lose players to unnecessary red cards, it could jeopardise their hopes of even securing a top-four finish. The importance of maintaining composure in the crucial weeks ahead cannot be overstated.
ADMIN COMMENT
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Didn’t need to be mentioned as it was bloody obvious.
He was replaced by our best left back who added to our sound defensive capabilities.No doubt he will resume his bench warming role against Man Utd?
Grandad, Tierneys injuries aside. Artetas treatment of our best LB is something that really worries me about the way he manages players. Kudos to Tierney for being a model professional and not blowing his top for his poor treatment and lack of respect.
Absolutely Reggie – with a ll this inverted talk, it seems that being a top level defender is irrelevant.
I would suggest that Kieren Tierney is the best LB we’ve had since Ashley Cole… injuries aside.
As you say, a model professional, our loss and celtic’s gain.
Without doubt a Arteta mistake in my opinion.
Ken, i find it really worrying that he should basically be ignored when he is fit.
Totally agree with Ken1945 and Reggie regarding Tierney. When fit a top level left back.
Oh for the days when we played genuine full backs. 😉👍
Well Zinchenko is basically a midfielder, Calafori is basically a CB, MLS is basically a midfielder, Timber is basically a RB, Kiwior is shite and they all seemed prefered to Tierney who is our best LB.
It really makes you question Arteta’s judgement on players, doesn’t it Reggie.
There I go again, risking the wrath of the Arteta-rettes. 😂🤣😉👍
Shame on us for stating the obvious.
Here’s the thing.
The role of left backs (and many other player roles) has evolved. Some teams may still play with a system that uses a traditional left back exclusively, or depending on game state or opponent. Arteta’s preferred system however does not use a traditional LB as a core part of the setup. In this system Tierney is not the best LB at Arsenal.
Oh and the system is as good as Kiwior.
I would guess that Arteta started Calafiori over Tierney due to his attacking potential more than his defending abilities. He was arguably our most dangerous attacker in the first half.
Wether that’s correct or not. The history says something else.
History Reggie?