Leandro Trossard’s red card during Arsenal’s recent Premier League clash with Manchester City left many fans concerned about his availability for the Gunners’ next game against Leicester City. Despite his dismissal, Arsenal supporters can breathe a sigh of relief, as Trossard will be available for selection in their upcoming Premier League fixture. Here’s a breakdown of why Trossard’s suspension won’t affect his participation against Leicester, the nature of his red card, and what this means for Arsenal.
Trossard’s Red Card Against Manchester City
In a closely contested match against Manchester City, Leandro Trossard was shown two yellow cards, resulting in a red card in first-half stoppage time. The incident occurred when referee Michael Oliver deemed that Trossard delayed the game’s restart by kicking the ball away after a foul had been called on Bernardo Silva. Trossard’s actions were interpreted as a deliberate attempt to waste time, a violation that automatically warranted a yellow card. Since it was his second yellow of the match, he was immediately sent off.
This wasn’t the first time Arsenal players have found themselves in hot water for similar offenses this season. Declan Rice was also dismissed for a second yellow card in a previous game against Brighton for kicking the ball away, making it a topic of conversation within the Arsenal camp.
Mikel Arteta’s Reaction to Trossard’s Dismissal
After the match, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta expressed frustration when asked if he would need to remind his players about the dangers of kicking the ball away in such situations. He sarcastically responded, “For passing the ball, you mean? Just leave the ball, don’t touch the ball. We’ll play without the ball.” His pointed comment reflected the frustration of seeing his players make avoidable mistakes that have resulted in critical red cards in recent matches.
Why Trossard is Not Banned for Arsenal’s Next Premier League Game
While Trossard’s dismissal earned him an automatic one-game suspension, it’s important to note that suspensions following red cards from two yellow cards are slightly different from those resulting from straight red cards.
- Suspension Covers All Domestic Competitions
Trossard’s red card, a result of two yellow cards, comes with a one-match ban that applies across all domestic competitions, rather than specifically the Premier League. As Arsenal had a Carabao Cup match against Bolton Wanderers shortly after the Manchester City clash, Trossard served his suspension during that game. - Suspension Already Served
With Trossard missing the Carabao Cup tie against Bolton, his one-game suspension has already been served, clearing him to participate in Arsenal’s next Premier League match against Leicester City. This is a crucial distinction from a straight red card, where the player would likely miss several matches, including Premier League fixtures. - No Appeal for Second Yellow Cards
While Arsenal might have been tempted to appeal Trossard’s red card under different circumstances, FA rules clearly state that clubs cannot appeal red cards resulting from two yellow cards. Only straight red cards are eligible for appeal. Thus, Arsenal accepted the suspension and used the Carabao Cup match to fulfill the ban.
Impact of Trossard’s Availability on Arsenal’s Next Match
Having Trossard available for the Premier League game against Leicester City is a significant boost for Arsenal. The Belgian international has become a key figure in Mikel Arteta’s plans, starting in three consecutive Premier League matches. His ability to operate across the front line adds versatility to Arsenal’s attack, and his sharpness in the final third has been a vital asset this season.
Arteta will be keen to maintain his attacking options, especially as the Gunners navigate a challenging fixture schedule across multiple competitions. With Gabriel Jesus still working his way back to full match fitness and Raheem Sterling also being utilized in rotation, Trossard’s return provides the depth Arsenal needs to compete on all fronts.
Trossard’s Season So Far
Trossard has enjoyed a strong start to the 2024/25 Premier League campaign. After joining Arsenal last season from Brighton, he has quickly established himself as a regular contributor in Arteta’s squad. His technical ability, vision, and goal-scoring threat make him an integral part of Arsenal’s front three, particularly when Arteta looks to rotate players in a congested season filled with Premier League, Champions League, and domestic cup commitments.
While Arsenal has had mixed results in recent weeks, Trossard’s creativity and work ethic have stood out. His return for the match against Leicester will allow the Gunners to field one of their strongest lineups as they look to maintain momentum in the league.
The Bigger Picture for Arsenal
Trossard’s availability against Leicester comes at a critical time. With the Premier League title race heating up and Arsenal striving to close the gap on the league leaders, every point matters. A full-strength squad, especially in attack, will be essential for Arsenal as they aim to challenge the likes of Manchester City and Liverpool at the top of the table.
The narrow draw against Manchester City highlighted the team’s resilience, even when playing with ten men. Arteta’s tactical adjustments, including sending his team out to defend and absorb pressure, nearly paid off until John Stones’ 98th-minute equalizer denied Arsenal a historic win at the Etihad. Moving forward, Trossard’s presence will help Arsenal maintain balance and strength, especially in key moments where attacking prowess is needed.
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