Riccardo Calafiori’s Lucky Escape: A Close Call in Arsenal’s Win Over Leicester
Updated 17:16, 28 September 2024 GMT+1 | Published 17:15, 28 September 2024 GMT+1
Arsenal fans breathed a sigh of relief after a stunning win over Leicester City, but it could’ve been a lot closer without Riccardo Calafiori’s lucky escape from a red card. The full-back’s challenge on Facundo Buonanotte went unpunished, much to the frustration of the Foxes faithful.
Arsenal were dominant in the first half, with Gabriel Martinelli opening the scoring and assisting Jurrien Timber’s maiden goal for the Gunners. However, Leicester stunned the Emirates Stadium with a spirited comeback in the second half. Facundo Buonanotte pulled one back, before James Justin’s incredible half-volley levelled the scores. It seemed like the momentum was with the visitors, but Arsenal dug deep to snatch a winner in injury time. The goal, later corrected to a Wilfried Ndidi own goal, was a cruel blow to Leicester’s hopes of getting a point.
Despite Arsenal’s convincing win, fans were left stunned by Calafiori’s avoidance of a second yellow card. The full-back had already been booked earlier in the game, and his challenge on Buonanotte looked like a certain red card. VAR eventually decided against intervening, citing that the offence was not worthy of a solo red card. The controversy may have sparked a sense of injustice among Leicester supporters, but it ultimately proved a turning point in the match.
Arsenal’s victory takes them level on points with Manchester City at the top of the Premier League table. The two teams have identical records, with six games played each, and just a goal difference separating them. For Mikel Arteta’s men, it’s a major confidence booster ahead of the upcoming fixtures.
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