Mikel Arteta says he expects at least 100 red cards in the Premier League this season after Leandro Trossard was sent off in Arsenal's 2-2 draw at Manchester City.
Substitute John Stones rescued a draw for City in the 98th minute after 10-man Arsenal had doggedly defended for the entire second half at the Etihad Stadium.
With the Gunners leading through goals from defenders Riccardo Calafiori and Gabriel, Trossard was dismissed in first-half stoppage-time for kicking the ball away on being penalised by referee Michael Oliver for a shove on Bernardo Silva. The forward had already been booked for a tug on winger Savinho.
Jeremy Doku avoided punishment delaying a restart earlier in the match, as City flew out of the blocks and led through Erling Haaland's 100th goal for the club.
It is the second time this season Arsenal have had a player sent off for delaying the restart following Declan Rice's controversial second yellow card in the home draw with Brighton.
Arteta declined to comment directly on the Trossard incident but afterwards said he expected a deluge of red cards this season in a tacit call for consistency.
"I prefer not to comment [on the red card]," he said.
"I’ve seen it and it’s that obvious so I’ll leave it to you guys. I was already in big trouble trying to solve what happened on the pitch. It’s not my problem to solve what happens off the pitch.
"It’s that obvious that it’s not necessary to comment on it. It’s the second time. I’m expecting 100 Premier League games to be, 10 against 11 or nine vs 10 this season. Let’s see.”
Asked if a yellow card for kicking the ball away is fair, Arteta said: “I prefer not to comment. You analyse the situation and how long it takes.”
