Arsenal return to action in the Premier League on Saturday as the leaders visit third-placed Aston Villa in what should be a thrilling and tough encounter. Unfortunately, the North London giants will be without their manager who is suspended for this game.
This is due to the yellow card Mikel Arteta picked up in the dramatic 4-3 win over Luton Town. Declan Rice scored the winning goal in the game's final minute, sparking euphoric celebrations from the Gunners dugout. As a result, Arteta was booked by the referee for over-celebration at an away ground and will now serve a one-game touchline ban due to an accumulation of yellow cards.
This sparked controversy, with Arsenal fans arguing that the yellow card was harsh upon witnessing Arteta's celebration during the replay. Additionally, an overarching conversation regarding the Spaniard and his run-ins with Premier League referees was rehashed.
Regardless, one fellow Premier League boss leaped to Arteta's defense with a hilarious response to Tuesday's incident. That man is none other than Rob Edwards, the manager of the Luton Town side Arsenal beat during the midweek.
The Welsh tactician was asked for his thoughts on Arteta's celebration and whether it was harsh to book the Spanish manager given how late and dramatic Arsenal's winning goal was. Edwards' response was short, simple, and brilliant all at once!
"I would have been crowd surfing!" the Luton Town boss replied.
Rob Edwards today on whether Mikel Arteta's yellow card for over celebrating Arsenal's late winner on Tuesday night was harsh. His response:
— James Green (@JamesGreenInUK) December 8, 2023
"I would have been crowd surfing!" #LTFC #AFC pic.twitter.com/3aJjsjFwan
Nonetheless, while many believe the booking was harsh, Mikel is suspended for Saturday's trip to Villa Park and the Premier League leaders will have to make do without their manager on the touchline. The question on everyone's mind is whether the Gunners can overcome Unai Emery's high-flying side and end Aston Villa's impressive home form.
Watkins and Co. are currently on a 14-game winning streak at home, which includes their brilliant 1-0 victory over defending Premier League champions Manchester City on Wednesday. In fact, the last time Aston Villa lost a home game in the league was the 4-2 defeat to Arsenal last season.
Meanwhile, no team has won more games away from home in the English top flight than the Gunners since Unai Emery took over the Birmingham side, thus making this a thrilling encounter.
