Arsenal star Riccardo Calafiori has made the headlines in the Premier League for a very interesting reason.
The Italy international has become the Gunners’ first-choice left-back ahead of Myles Lewis-Skelly, and he has been really impressive.
Calafiori’s unpredictable movement makes him a very difficult player to mark, and watching some of his runs is a joy.
However, the story of the Arsenal left-back and a towel is what has been the talking point over the last week.
Why Riccardo Calafiori was allowed to use a towel during Arsenal vs West Ham
Riccardo Calafiori was involved in an interesting incident when Arsenal faced Newcastle United in the Premier League.
Just before a throw-in at St James’ Park, the Italy international picked up Nick Pope’s towel to dry the ball, just so he could launch it into the box.
However, the referee, Jarred Gillet, ran over to the defender and stopped him.
Fast forward one week, and Calafiori did the same during Arsenal’s game against West Ham United at the Emirates, but this time he was allowed to do it.
Many fans are wondering why the Arsenal star was stopped one week but given the green light just six days later – an FA rule explains it.
According to the BBC, “Clubs have to agree to the availability of towels around the field of play before the match. If both clubs fail to come to an agreement, towels cannot be used.”
There was no agreement between Arsenal and Newcastle United last weekend, but Mikel Arteta and Nuno Espirito Santo were both open to it at the Emirates.
That is why Calafiori got his wish and could use the towel.
Riccardo Calafiori has been excellent for Arsenal
Calafiori definitely has his flaws while defending, but he offers a lot to Arsenal whenever he starts.
The former Bologna man’s ability to invert and receive the ball anywhere on the pitch makes him such a difficult player to mark.
His movement doesn’t just cause the opponents a lot of problems, but he also offers a lot of options to his teammates for a pass.
That is the biggest reason why Calafiori has been starting ahead of Lewis-Skelly at Arsenal so far this season.
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