Arsenal have been handed a major boost ahead of their fixture with Crystal Palace this weekend, and plenty of Gunners supporters have been left buzzing with the news.
Roy Hodgson’s men fell to a 1-0 FA Cup defeat to Derby County on Sunday, with Chris Martin scoring a first-half winner for the Rams.
However, it was a key moment in the second half that will have caught the eye regarding Saturday’s fixture at Selhurst Park.
Luka Milivojevic received a straight red card for violent conduct after kicking out and appearing to headbutt Tom Huddlestone and will now be suspended for three matches.
Referee Michael Oliver became the first official to use the pitchside monitor to make his decision, changing his initial yellow card decision to a straight red.
Following the incident, the news quickly made its way to these Arsenal fans on social media and they were delighted to learn that the Serbian will miss out this weekend.
Twitter: @charles_watts SIUUUUU (@iizsn)
Twitter: @charles_watts Arsenal win confirmed (@theArteta_band)
Twitter: @charles_watts Means we are winning…. whoohooo!!! (@KOgunwolu)
Twitter: @charles_watts That’s actually a big boost. (@ohnahbah)
Twitter: @charles_watts Good (@louis16303766)
Read Crystal Palace verdict
It has become a running joke among fans that the 28-year-old always seems to score a penalty against Arsenal, so his absence will come as a boost to the Gunners and an untimely blow for Palace.
Not only is he one of the coolest penalty takers around, but he’s also been a key member of Hodgson’s side, so the Eagles boss will now have to consider who will come in for the missing midfielder.
Only Watford have scored fewer Premier League goals than Palace this season and the increased lack of goal threat that comes with Milivojevic’s absences highlights why Hodgson’s men need to strengthen in the final third in January.
