Just seen Costa waving an imaginary card earlier too. That's supposed to be a booking in itself. I count 3 bookings and a red Costa should've had that half. Chelsea should've had a penalty but for Arsenal the damage is done.
I agree with most of this, but Gabriel kicked another player when the ball's out of play. It wasn't much, but it's still a red. Wasn't he already booked, too?
Coquelin subbed off at half-time, surprising nobody. Clearly injured, but Wenger left him on and it showed in their play. Poor management.
He was booked because Costa barged him with his chest off the ball, he did nothing. One of those where the ref doesn't see it so just gives both a booking as a blind attempt at even handed punishment. It was such a small flick of the boot that I don't think it was a red. Costa's barge was more aggressive and more powerful and for me they're both bookings. And another one bites the dust, Cazorla's off.
Costa is going to get some stick, but he's doing worse than the likes of Roy Keane, Billy Bremner, and Souness, when their respective teams were cheating their way to glory. No English side has won the Prem playing only pretty football.
So, Chelsea jump to 10th. Mind you, it's probably only for a short while, because they'll probably lose places to the big boys, when the likes of us, Saints and Watford play.
2-0, got it at 14/1 which was pretty good odds really. Thank God Chelsea are so boring though, they could've made mincemeat out of them after the second red. Cazorla and Gabriel out of the NLD, although I'd have been surprised if Cazorla would've been in the starting 11.
Coquelin's probably doubtful too, at least. Changed the game when he wasn't subbed off following his injury.
Costa is a complete twat, but Gabriel is a fool. Gabriel earned his sending off. What should have happened, though, is that both players should have gotten straight reds for the initial confrontation, Costa for a slap, Gabriel for an attempted slap. It wouldn’t have affected the outcome of the game, would have hurt both teams down the road, and would have served as a good lesson for everyone. In addition to screwing up by letting Costa stay on the field, Deane also should have carded him for waving an imaginary card earlier, I agree. Finally, after the half-hearted kick by Gabriel, he should have stood his ground and told the Chelsea players to keep their distance and shut up. If any hadn’t, he should have carded them, and continued to do so until they stopped. A rugby ref recently said he’d bring a football game some order and I believe him. It’s time somebody did. The way PL refs let players, managers and crowds walk all over them is disgusting. Nothing’s wrong with Chelsea that playing Arsenal can’t solve, as usual.
Another incredible away win for West Ham. That time added on was a joke though. 4 minutes? Took that long to sub Jenkinson off
