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.”
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