Marcelo Bielsa reveals he was pleased that Alexandre Lacazette wasn’t sent off.
Arsenal’s match against Leeds on Monday evening was marred by some harsh challenges from both sets of players, but one, in particular, caught everyone’s attention.
Alexandre Lacazette had tripped Gaetano Berardi, an action that was reviewed by VAR but the technology didn’t spot any clear and obvious error so play was allowed to continue with no caution for the Frenchman.
The action was similar to that of Tottenham’s Heung-min Son in the Premier League a few weeks back, and the South Korean was sent off.
However, when asked about the event Bielsa maintained that he was happier that both teams had eleven players on the pitch.
When asked if he thought Lacazette should have been red-carded, Bielsa said per the Metro:
‘If he did that, and he did not take a red card, it’s better.
‘If they had been unfair with our player, maybe it would be a pity for us. But you never wish a red card for the opponent when things like this happen.
‘It’s better to play 11 versus 11, I don’t like to claim things. But I say that because I didn’t realise this happened. I think the better thing to believe is that nothing happened because the VAR confirmed that.’
It was petulant of Lacazette and he can consider himself very lucky, however, you have to admire the position that Bielsa has taken.
The Argentine could easily and justifiably go the other way, he chooses not to and has proven both on and off the field that he is a top manager.
Well, until the next time he sends his spies out.
Signs of a good competitor
In as much as Biesla has been magnanimous to not go the acrimonious way over the Lacazette possible Red card offence committing. I think it’s about time for us the Arsenals to put our win in the FA Cup over Leeds Utd behind us and start focusing on our next Premier League match away to Crystal Palace and concentrate on it fully as us prepare to play against the experience ex England manager Roy Hudgson, whose injury ravaged Crystal Palace team could still be difficult for Arsenal to beat.
Bielsa has earned his fine reputation as a Coach and the display of his Leeds side in the first half on Monday is evidence of his talents.If they were more clinical in front of goal they would have been at least two ahead.In Kalvin Phillips they have a player who would be ideal for Arsenal.
I think it’s time to move on from the Leeds game. We as a club (including players) focus too much on past games (wins and loses) which I find a bit disturbing.Remember when we focused to much on the 4-2 annihilation of the spuds only to lose to them 2-0 at the Emirates few days later? Seems like a major issue with us as a club. Here’s my humble suggestion: four articles max, one for the predicted line up, injuries and view from opposition. Second article: the usual team news, crazy comments and all. Third article: player ratings and lastly an indepth review/analysis of the game. Encourage our cherished old timers to relive some of their glorious moments and not so glorious moments as fans, talk about the games, the players, the managers etc.
Dirty Leeds !!
yes good response