“I apologize to Arsenal fans; I didn’t intend to dismiss him that way,” said Michael Oliver, who is likely to face three penalties for his unprofessional red card issued to Trossard.

Michael Oliver made a significant error during the tense Manchester City vs. Arsenal match, which concluded in a 2-2 draw at the Etihad Stadium. The game was marked by intense clashes and crucial decisions, particularly the sending off of Arsenal’s Leandro Trossard. However, the most critical mistake occurred earlier, an incident that VAR was unable to rectify.

 

As the match referee, Oliver faced the challenge of maintaining control amidst rising tensions. A pivotal moment arrived just before halftime when he issued Trossard a second yellow card for kicking the ball away, forcing Arsenal to play the second half with ten players. Yet, a more consequential mistake caught the attention of many, including commentator Gary Neville, much earlier in the game.

 

In the 22nd minute, just before Arsenal’s Riccardo Calafiori equalized, Oliver summoned Manchester City defender Kyle Walker to the center to issue a warning. However, he restarted play before Walker returned to his defensive position, leaving City’s defense vulnerable. Arsenal capitalized on this oversight; Gabriel Martinelli advanced the ball quickly and assisted Calafiori, who scored with a superb shot to level the match.

 

While Arsenal’s quick thinking deserves commendation, Oliver’s decision to allow the free kick to proceed before Walker was back in position raised concerns. Typically, referees ensure all players are in place before resuming play, especially after issuing warnings. Walker had been pulled about 45 yards from his position, leaving City exposed. Oliver could have easily delayed the restart, but his choice ultimately favored Arsenal.

 

It’s crucial to note that VAR had no authority to intervene in this situation since it involved a free kick rather than a violation of the rules. VAR reviews specific incidents like goals, penalties, and red cards, so the controversy surrounding the goal stood as it was, uncorrected by video review.

 

The match also featured VAR involvement early on, with a collision between Kai Havertz and City’s Rodri reviewed just four seconds into the game. VAR concluded no foul had occurred, allowing play to continue.

 

Gary Neville, commenting for Sky Sports, noted Oliver’s handling of the quick free kick, stating, “He’s pulled him [Walker] out of position but not allowed him to get back. I would be annoyed.” His observation underscored the disadvantage Oliver’s decision placed on Manchester City, a point echoed by City manager Pep Guardiola in his post-match comments. Guardiola acknowledged the impact of the interruption on his team’s focus, emphasizing the significance of the goal in shifting the game’s momentum.

 

This incident has left City players and fans frustrated, leading to discussions about how referees manage such situations. Going forward, Manchester City players may be more cautious when engaging with referees during matches, wary of being drawn away from their positions and facing similar consequences.