Arsenal News Today: CONTROVERSIAL Trossard red card, UNWANTED record, Pino PURSUED

Cameron Smith

• 22 Sept 2024 21:30 BST
• 4 min read

FootballTransfers runs through the latest Arsenal news updates, including Leandro Trossard’s red card, Jurrien Timber and Kai Havertz’ lack of passes versus Manchester City and the Gunners’ interest in Yeremy Pino.

Mikel Arteta reacts to Leandro Trossard red card

Leandro Trossard was shown a second yellow card in first-half stoppage time against Manchester City after delaying the restart by kicking the ball away.

It was the second time in three Premier League games in which Arsenal have suffered this fate, following Declan Rice’s red card versus Brighton & Hove Albion.

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The Gunners were 2-1 up at the time and a 98th minute John Stones goal ensured the spoils were shared at the Etihad Stadium.

Mikel Arteta, however, wasn’t happy with Michael Oliver’s decision to show Trossard a second yellow card.

After the match, the Arsenal boss said: “I prefer not to comment [on the red card].

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"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.”

Jurrien Timber and Kai Havertz set record

Meanwhile, Jurrien Timber and Kai Havertz both sensationally failed to complete a single pass during the match.

Timber played 91 minutes before being taken off due to cramp, while Havertz lasted the entire game.

However, Timber was unable to register a successful pass from six attempts and Havertz failed to find a team-mate with all five of his passes.

They are the first two outfield players in history (since Opta records began) to have played 89+ minutes of a Premier League match and fail to complete a single pass.

Yeremy Pino wanted

Arsenal are reportedly “determined” to sign Villarreal winger Yeremy Pino in 2025.

Mikel Arteta’s side are hoping to bolster their forward line after failing to finalise a deal for Nico Williams this summer, and Pino is one of their key targets.

The 21-year-old scored four goals and provided five assists in 36 La Liga appearances last season, and Arsenal are eyeing a potential move for next year, according to Fichajes.

Master of the dark arts?

After the game, match-winner Stones was asked whether Arsenal have ‘mastered the dark arts.’

In response, he told Sky Sports: “I wouldn't say they have mastered it, but they have done it for a few years now, so we knew to expect that. You can call it clever or dirty, whichever way you want to put it.

"But they break up the game, which upsets the rhythm. They use it to their advantage and we dealt with it very well.”