“After the match, he told me he’s a Man City and still love the Club… He intentionally gave them the second goal and it’s clear”: Mikel Arteta bans ONE Arsenal player for FIVE MATCHES due unprofessional comments

HusseinSeptember 23, 2024Last Updated: September 23, 2024

0 1 minute read

{"remix_data":[],"remix_entry_point":"challenges","source_tags":["local"],"origin":"unknown","total_draw_time":0,"total_draw_actions":0,"layers_used":0,"brushes_used":0,"photos_added":0,"total_editor_actions":{},"tools_used":{"addons":1},"is_sticker":false,"edited_since_last_sticker_save":true,"containsFTESticker":false,"used_sources":{"version":1,"sources":[{"id":"412615742038211","type":"ugc"}]}}

Arsenal defender Riccardo Calafiori’s performance against Manchester City has been described as unconvincing, despite his goal in the first half.

Sunday’s clash at the Etihad was a significant battle between two of this season’s expected title challengers, and it didn’t disappoint. Erling Haaland opened the scoring inside the first 10 minutes, but Calafiori put the Gunners back on level terms with an outstanding strike soon after.

Gabriel Magalhaes then headed the visitors ahead before half time, but the first 45 minutes ended in controversy as Arsenal were reduced to 10. Leandro Trossard was given his marching orders for a second yellow card, and John Stones went on to score an equaliser right at the death for City.

Calafiori ‘Unconvincing’ Despite Goal

He was caught out for City’s opener.

Summer signing Calafiori, who cost the Gunners £42m, marked his first Arsenal start in impressive fashion with an outrageous strike to level the scoreline in the first half. He joined the North London club for Italian side Bologna back in July following an eye-catching Euro 2024 with his country.

He had just 42 minutes of Premier League action under his belt prior to Sunday’s blockbuster clash, having missed the North London derby with a calf problem last week. On the 22-minute mark against City, he scored his first goal for Arsenal to get them back into the game.

However, according to Football London journalist Kaya Kaynak, Calafiori was caught out for Haaland’s opener when the Norwegian was able to run in behind. The Italian was awarded just a six in the player ratings, despite producing a game-changing moment.

Kaynak wrote:

“Let’s start with his goal which was superb. Away from that though the Italian was not always convincing. Caught out for the goal and showed a tendency to dive in on occasion. Not quite as solid as the rest of the back four.”