Just Arsenal News

The Arsenal midfielder Fran Merida was given a straight red card in last nights Reserve League top-of-the-table clash with Aston Villa, and will now not be available for the Carling Cup clash against Man City.

Arsenal were 1-0 up through Sanchez Watt just past the half-hour mark, when Merida gave him a perfectly placed centre from a freekick 25 yards out, but within four minutes Arsenal were educed to ten men.

Merida claimed that he was slapped in the face by Aston Villa midfielder Fabien Delph, and after a little argument the two players set about each other, and it is thought that Merida aimed a punch at Delph’s head.

The crowd were not pleased when they saw the red card for Merida, but Delph was let off with just a yellow, and Aston Villa soon took advantage of the extra man.

Villa scored twice in the last five minutes of the half through Albrighton and Gardner, and after going in with the lead at half-time, Villa held on quite easily at the second half.

Arsenal are now five points behind Villa with a game in hand.

The good news from last night’s game is that Jack Wilshere managed 65 minutes in his first game back from injury.