Ouch. Alexandre Lacazette has been sent off for Arsenal after throwing a dirty elbow at one of his opponents, and he can certainly have no complaints about the decision.
It was a disastrous night for The Gunners, falling to an unexpected 1-0 defeat to BATE Borisov in Belarus. It was a very poor performance for the visitors, and they ran out deserving losers.
They fell behind after some lax defending from a set piece just before the interval, with Stanislav Dragon supplying the finishing touch.
Stanislav Dragun's glancing header which has BATE 1-0 v Arsenal!#VMSport #UEL pic.twitter.com/PGoF4E6utv
— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) February 14, 2019
Arsenal dominated the ball in the second half, but failed to create many chances. They were frustrated by the hosts, and Alexandre Lacazette certainly displayed that in the closing stages.
He was seemingly unhappy with a heavy challenge from the BATE defender, and lashed out with his elbow just a few seconds later. Brian Kerr had no doubt in commentary that the Frenchman was deserving of a red card.
Lacazette lashes out and is sent off for Arsenal!
"Oh. Oh. He's in trouble here," said Brian Kerr. #VMSport #UEL pic.twitter.com/H0I94TJSIa— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) February 14, 2019
This was definitely intentional from the Arsenal striker, and he could have done real damage to his opponent. It was the symptom of a frustrating game for Arsenal, who have hardly been firing on all cylinders as of late.
They now must dig themselves out of a whole in the second leg, and will be without Lacazette in their attempts to do so.
The Europa League may represent the London club's best chance of securing Champions League football next season, with a spot in the top four of the Premier League far from assured. It is looking like coming down to a battle between Arsenal, Manchester United and Chelsea for fourth spot, with the top three looking sewn up at the moment.
United have the momentum in that race, and they currently hold a one-point advantage over their two rivals.
