Matchweek Moments: A Royal Letdown

By Ian Katan 

Returning from the final international break before the World Cup, the Premier League provided a weekend full of action including two famous rivalries taking place. 

Around the league, Chelsea left the winner late at Selhurst Park where former Crystal Palace loanee Conor Gallagher scored a long-range curler, Liverpool dropped points (again) against Leandro Trossard and Brighton, Manchester City ran circles around their rivals at United, and Brendan Rogers’ job is safe for another week after Leicester City earned their first win of the season. 

The opening game of the weekend set up a famous clash between North London clubs Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur, where the winner would end up at the top of the league table. Both teams have had strong starts to the season and hoped to continue their momentum by beating their longtime rivals. 

Arsenal won their opening five games for the first time since the 2004/2005 season and despite a loss to Manchester United in the weeks since, they have maintained their pacesetting form. Spurs have looked better and better under manager Antonio Conte, and came into the game undefeated following a 6-2 demolition of Leicester City two weeks ago. Minimal injuries from both sides meant strong first-choice lineups from the managers and that a hard fought game was sure to follow. 

The match began with an entertaining first hour that saw a world-class goal from Thomas Partey and a scramble poked home by Gabriel Jesus. In between, Harry Kane scored his record-setting 14th goal against Arsenal from the penalty spot. The game’s defining Moment came in the 62nd minute when Spurs right wingback Emerson Royal clipped the heels of Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli. 

In real time, it looked like a late challenge that would certainly land the Brazilian defender in trouble, but referee Anthony Taylor wasted no time in showing a straight red card. Taylor had not issued any cards to that point, clearly willing to let the competitive game play out. Knowing the intense nature of the rivalry, the send off seemed excessive. 

Royal’s studs did catch Martinelli in the ankle, and he was definitely late to the challenge. However, he did not leave his feet and there was no excessive force or clear intent to endanger Martinelli’s safety. It was simply a poor challenge. Think of Martinelli’s own challenge on Oliver Skipp twenty minutes later: sliding in late, catching Skipp, and earning a yellow card himself. The game of soccer is a physical one and players are bound to foul and be fouled. 

The website of the Premier League’s governing organization, the FA, says a yellow card should be given if an offense is committed “in a reckless manner,” among other reasons. Royal’s tackle was reckless, poorly-timed, and caught Martinelli’s legs instead of the ball. But it was not a red card. Decisions like this are always debated, and would be equally controversial if Royal had been allowed to continue. In the end, he risked letting the referee make the decision by tackling Martinelli and paid the price. 

Conte called on Ryan Sessegnon to finish the game at wingback, but the damage had already been done. Less than five minutes after the sendoff, Spurs’ weakened back line was dragged open and Granit Xhaka was played through to effectively end the game with a third goal. Arsenal were able to shut down any notable attacks, walk away with a 3-1 victory, and remain as they began the day atop the table. 

Royal’s red card killed off any chances Spurs had to fight back into the game. Conte declined to comment on the referee’s decision, hinting at his displeasure. Spurs end the weekend in third, still a very comfortable position heading into two games against Brighton and Everton from which they would expect to take three points each. 

Arsenal continue to look comfortable in their approach. Players in every position are in form and understand what is expected of their role in the manager’s system. Their three goals were a promising sign of confidence too. Partey curling his shot from long-range, Jesus hungrily following up a shot, and Xhaka ghosting past the defense should make any opponent weary of Arsenal’s goalscoring versatility. They have difficult games against Liverpool and Leeds up next, but optimism remains strong that this could be their year.