The chances are pretty strong that Arsenal will have to play at least one of the games coming up without our manager being on the bench, because not only was the Frenchman sent away from the touchline for his vehement and vocal complaints after Burnley were awarded a stoppage time penalty, but video evidence seems to show him arguing and maybe even pushing the fourth official Andrew Taylor as he was urging Wenger further down the tunnel.
Of course that will not be ideal for Arsenal, so you could say that he was wrong to do it, but my question is whether he was justified in his reaction? Apparently Francis Coquelin told his manager after the game that he had not dome enough to concede a spot kick and it did look like minimal contact but when you hang a leg as he did I think it would normally be given.
If Wenger did see it he must accept that the ref was entitled to give it so I think his reaction was more about the frustration of the way the game had panned out. The Gunners dominated and created lots of chances before finally taking the lead in the 59th minute but it all went a bit wrong shortly afterwards.
I am sure that a lot of the prof’s anger came from the sending off of Granit Xhaka and he should be angry at both the player and the ref. Xhaka’s rash tackle gave the ref a decision to make and whereas a lot of players have got way with similar tackle this season, the Swiss star did not.
It was poor by our player but coming soon after he denied Mustafi what looked a clear penalty it must have made Wenger think everything was going against him again and I can understand his frustration. On top of all this I believe was Wenger thinking our title challenge was gone when Burnley got the penalty and that is why he was unable to control the anger.
While it was wrong and against Premier League rules I cannot blame him and actually am glad to see him show such passion as it means he still cares deeply about winning things. What do you guys think of the boss losing it today?
Bob.