Arsenal found spirit instead of feeling sorry for themselves... Mikel Arteta's men will need this resilience throughout the rest of the season, writes ISAAN KHAN
Arsenal found spirit instead of feeling sorry for themselves... Mikel Arteta's men will need this resilience throughout the rest of the season, writes ISAAN KHAN
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Arsenal are no strangers to going down to 10 men. It often precipitates the gifting of points to opponents. Yet on this occasion, it stirred a resilient performance in the face of a matter out of their control, Myles Lewis-Skelly having received a ridiculous red card by referee Michael Oliver on the cusp of half-time for a foul on Matt Doherty.
![[The Gunners were incensed by Michael Oliver's decision to send off defender Myles Lewis-Skelley]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/27/00/94543369-14327805-image-a-1_1737937461745.jpg)
Should they start training with 10 men, given their league-worst disciplinary record?. ‘We don’t have time to train so the time we have, I expect to at least train with 11!’ boss Mikel Arteta laughed. ‘Unfortunately this season it has happened too many times, but it’s not something we talk about.’.
![[Mikel Arteta's side managed to respond well to another challenge in a tough season]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/26/22/94540649-0-image-a-2_1737930723013.jpg)
Arsenal’s spirit in dealing with the Lewis-Skelly setback was all the more impressive. Instead of feeling sorry for themselves, they dug in. Fans always claim their team is targeted, but Saturday’s decision was so bad that you can sympathise with a supporter who would think so.
It is no excuse for the threats which have since transpired though. Oliver had his home address leaked on social media and there were other abhorrent posts about him too. Riccardo Calafiori scored the only goal of the game as Arsenal won against the odds.
The Gunners were incensed by Michael Oliver's decision to send off defender Myles Lewis-Skelley. Sadly, such abuse is no longer a surprise, an expectation even. But 8,000 likes on one disgusting post? It is a damning reflection of how normalised such vitriol has become in society and must be addressed.
