Arteta Demands Explanation For Martinelli Red Card Against Wolves

The Gunners were reduced to ten men after 70 minutes at the Molineux Stadium on Thursday as Arteta’s side escaped with a 1-0 victory against Wolverhampton Wanderers thanks to Gabriel Magalhaes’ first half goal.

Martinelli’s sending off means he has become the fourth Arsenal player to be sent off in 2022.

The Brazilian received two quick yellow cards from referee Michael Oliver for two infringements five seconds apart; first pushing over Daniel Podence as he attempted a quick throw-in and then barging over Chiquinho after an advantage was played.

Speaking at his post-match news conference, Arteta said: "I'm not happy with the decisions we have had this season, but that is a discussion that I will have with the officials.

"I need an explanation with what happened today. Those discussions will happen soon."

Arsenal have received 15 red cards since Arteta’s appointment in December 2019, seven more than any other Premier League side and the Spaniard accepts his players need to improve their discipline.

Asked how he planned to stop his players from being sent off, the Arsenal manager told BT Sport: "I have run out of ideas.

"To win four matches like that [after a red card] is extremely difficult. We know that and one of the main things we have to stop is that.

"But today something that I have never seen in my career happened. I'm glad we managed to win the game. I've never seen something like it. The rules can say that probably it is possible. But you have to be very, very willing to do that.

"We need to play with 11 players in the final 16 games - that is going to be key to give us the best possible chance for us to win football matches."