Mike Dean comments will incense Mikel Arteta as Chelsea star just evaded red card vs Arsenal

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Mikel Arteta will have had a problem with referee Michael Oliver’s first half performance at Stamford Bridge.

It was always going to be a tetchy affair when Arsenal and Chelsea met in West London this afternoon. After all, this fixture is a London derby, and there was so much on the line for the Gunners ahead of kick off. 

Arsenal need to beat Chelsea to keep their Premier League title hopes alive, but went into this game in poor form. Meanwhile, the Blues are on the up under Enzo Maresca, and had home advantage on their side. 

The last thing Arteta needed was to feel as though officials were favouring the hosts, too.

• READ MORE: The eight worst Arsenal VAR decisions of all time in Premier League games

Mike Dean lets Chelsea star off vs Arsenal

Early on in the match, as Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya looked to release the ball, he was obstructed by Blues centre-back Levi Colwill.

As Raya sought to kick the ball long, Colwill stepped across him, making contact with his leg. The Gunners ‘keeper was still able to get the ball away, but the pass came to nothing so Oliver pulled the game back to award the free kick.

However, Raya clearly felt that Colwill was due further punishment, but none was forthcoming.

Explaining why no yellow card was shown on Sky Sports (10/11/2024, 16:43), former Premier League referee Mike Dean stated: “It is a possible booking, but when I was involved, the first one is always free.”

Co-commentator and former Manchester United defender Gary Neville then challenged this, asking: “That in the letter of the law, is it?”

Arteta has clashed with officials in the past, and will feel that Colwill should have been booked for this offence. Had he been shown a yellow card at this stage, then when he was eventually booked just a few minutes later then he would have been sent off.

Arsenal’s red card problem

In evading a sending off, Colwill succeeded where a number of Arsenal stars have failed.

Most red cards in the Premier League 2024/25 season so far:

The Gunners have had three players sent off already this season, more than any other side in the Premier League.

This is an issue that Arteta, his coaching staff, and the players will have been working hard behind the scenes to address. 

If the Gunners are to remain in the title race this season, and close the gap on Liverpool and Manchester City ahead of them, then they must avoid suspensions going forward.