Arsenal and Gabon striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang went from zero to hero as he scored and got sent off in his sides 1-1 draw at Crystal Palace.
Aubameyang’s first half strike had given Arsenal the lead before Ghanaian striker Jordan Ayew pulled Palace level in the second half. The Gabon international was penalised for a challenge on Palace midfielder Max Meyer,and the yellow card originally shown by the official was overturned after a review by VAR.
The red card Aubameyang’s first in his 13-year professional career.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said after the match; “I haven’t seen it but from what I’ve heard, I think it was a harsh challenge, there was no intention but maybe he mistimed it. We’ll see what the decision is. We’ll get to the point that we want. We have to respect the decisions and hopefully they will be more positive than negative.”
His opposite number Roy Hodgson was sure the Gabon striker deserved to be sent off; “I knew it was a bad challenge. I’m not accusing Aubameyang of trying to injure him but when I saw it, it’s no doubt that it’s a red card. I was surprised it took so long to make the decision.”
Arsenal will now be without their top scorer for Premier League fixtures against Sheffield United at home and the trip to Chelsea.
He will also miss the FA Cup fourth round tie against Bournemouth, before returning for the trip to Burnley on 2 February.