Mikel Arteta says that he does not understand how James McArthur was able to remain on the pitch after the Crystal Palace player hacked Bukayo Saka down with zero intention of playing the ball.

LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 18: Aaron Ramsdale and Nicolas Pepe hold back Gabriel Magalhaes of Arsenal after a foul on Bukayo Saka during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Crystal Palace at Emirates Stadium on October 18, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 18: Aaron Ramsdale and Nicolas Pepe hold back Gabriel Magalhaes of Arsenal after a foul on Bukayo Saka during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Crystal Palace at Emirates Stadium on October 18, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

Had James McArthur been called James McXhaka, then there is no doubt we would be sitting here today talking about yet another card being handed out to the Swiss midfielder and how stupid he is.

As it stands, we are wondering how the hell James McArthur, who had already escaped the clearest booking you are likely to see, was only issued with a yellow for this blatant kick on Bukayo Saka, which resulted in the Arsenal man having to be taken off injured:

You can even tell by the way McArthur looks at Saka after he kicked him that he meant to do exactly what he did.

Speaking after the game, Arteta was asked about both Saka’s status and McCarthy’s tackle. “Yeah, Bukayo could not continue,” Arteta said.

“We had to take him off at half time.

“I saw the action and I can’t believe how the player continued on the pitch.

“I don’t get it [why VAR didn’t look at the incident. With what we were explained at the start of the season and what happened tonight, it doesn’t make any sense.”

In another interview with reporters, Arteta said, “It was a red card, absolutely.

“I cannot understand how he can stay on the field.”

That’s at least one thing we can all agree with Arteta about.