Mikel Arteta says he was ‘really worried’ about one moment in Arsenal vs Leicester, it could have cost them the win

Arsenal dug deep to pull off a dramatic 4-2 victory over Leicester City, which saw them score twice in injury time.

Goals from Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard gave Arsenal a 2-0 lead, but a shock brace from James Justin levelled the score, and the home side appeared to be heading for another draw.

However, Trossard forced an own goal from Wilfried Ndidi before Kai Havertz rounded off the scoring in the final minutes to hand Arsenal all three points.

Arsenal were utterly dominant at the Emirates, but the result could have been very different after one decisive moment in the second half, which Mikel Arteta has admitted he was worried about.

Mikel Arteta reveals worry over Riccardo Calafiori red card appeal

Defender Riccardo Calafiori was on a yellow card when he tripped Diego Buonanotte, leading to appeals from the Leicester players for the Italian to receive a second yellow.

However, referee Sam Barrott gave Calafiori the benefit of the doubt, and even booked Buonanotte for complaining about the decision.

Speaking in his post-match press conference, Arteta revealed his worry that Calafiori could have been sent off.

“I haven’t seen the action but I got really worried when that happened because he gave the foul, but I haven’t seen the replay,” he stated.

Leicester manager Steve Cooper was extremely unhappy with the decision, claiming that the Arsenal star should have seen red.

“The left-back has to get sent off for a second yellow,” Cooper fumed after the game.

Riccardo Calafiori red card could have cost Arsenal win

The incident over Calafiori came with the scores at 2-2, and had he been sent off, which would have been Arsenal’s third red card in four Premier League games, his side may have dropped points again.

Calafiori delivered a strong performance on the ball, and losing him going forward, whilst also being a man down, meant that despite their dominance, Arsenal may not have secured victory.

The Italian defender could have perhaps done better for Leicester’s second goal, but it has been a strong start to life for him at Arsenal.

The winning goals came in injury time after relentless pressure, and Arsenal will be thankful that they were able to attack with such gusto as they had 11 men on the pitch.