Reason Ederson wasn't sent off for Man City in Premier League win at Arsenal

15 February 2023 , 21:28

612     0

Reason Ederson wasn't sent off for Man City in Premier League win at Arsenal

Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson escaped a red card when he gave away a penalty at Arsenal, despite the Brazilian having already been booked.

The City stopper was initially cautioned for time-wasting just 36 minutes into clash, when City were 1-0 up courtesy of Kevin De Bruyne's well-taken lofted effort.

But when he then collided with Eddie Nketiah in the City box and referee Anthony Taylor pointed to the spot, many Gunners fans expected to see a second yellow brandished in Ederson's direction.

But Taylor didn't send the Brazilian off.

Gunners fans everywhere fumed at the decision, but the nature of it - as Nketiah jumped into Ederson and the pair collided - meant that Taylor didn't see any malice in the goalkeeper's action.

Chelsea complete record-breaking Enzo Fernandez transfer after deadline day rush

Discussing the incident at half-time on Amazon Prime Video, former referee Chris Foy agreed with Taylor's decision, saying that Ederson had been "careless and not reckless" in his actions.

Ederson escaped a red card (Amazon Prime Video)

He added: "No we don’t [want this type of penalty given all the time], but it’s a good decision and it’s an accurate decision because even though he’s played the ball, Nketiah, he’s clearly tripped by him."

Former Arsenal and City defender Gael Clichy, working as a pundit for Amazon Prime Video, agreed Ederson should not have been sent off.

"I think as a ref sometimes, if you give a second yellow you kill the game," he said.

"The Arsenal fans will want that, but I think it’s sensible to keep the game alive.

Ederson was booked for the challenge (Getty Images)

"No [doubt over whether it was a penalty], not at all. We talk about follow throughs with anyone on the pitch, if the defender commits a foul like this it’s a free-kick so there’s no excuse on this one.

"It’s a shame because it’s under control, the defender saves on the line, but that is a penalty, 100 per cent."

BBC Radio Five Live pundit Chris Sutton agreed, saying: "A booking would've been harsh for that [Ederson challenge], he has made a genuine attempt to block the shot or get to the ball in front of Eddie Nketiah - he didn't and it was a mistimed challenge.

"I don't think it was a yellow card in any way."

Saka scored his penalty, despite Ederson's best efforts to put him off, but City ultimately ran out 3-1 winners thank to second half goals from Jack Grealish and Erling Haaland.

Everton chiefs face transfer backlash from fans after deadline day disaster

Mark Jones