Arsenal boss Unai Emery said he didn’t think Matteo Guendouzi lost control after the midfielder was sent-off in the Gunners’ 2-1 win over Blackpool on Wednesday night.

The Frenchman provided the assist for Arsenal’s first goal against the League One side - chipping a brilliantly timed ball over the Blackpool defence for Stephan Lichtsteiner to poke home in the first-half.

However, his impressive performance was undermined when he was shown a soft second yellow card after the break.

The midfielder will now miss the Gunner’s vital clash with Liverpool on Saturday at the Emirates.

Speaking after the game, Emery said: “He’s playing well, and with one thing which is very important, spirit.

“I don’t know if the second (yellow) is expected but he’s playing with the spirit I want, today and in every match.

“We spoke in the dressing room at half-time, saying it’s very important to control but I don’t think he lost control in this action.

“We have a lot of players who are trying to play, to help us and to take the responsibility to show they’re quality. I am going to prepare with other players, while thinking we can also have a good performance in the big match on Saturday.”