Brentford manager Thomas Frank has asserted that Kai Havertz should have been ejected from the game before he scored Arsenal’s decisive goal in their 2-1 win over Brentford. Despite Yoane Wissa’s equalizer in stoppage time, Brentford ultimately fell short, reminiscent of their previous encounter in November where Havertz also secured a late victory.
Frank contends that Havertz, who had already received a yellow card, was lucky to evade expulsion after allegedly diving in the penalty area following a challenge from Nathan Collins. Brentford players protested to the referee, Rob Jones, advocating for a second yellow card, but Havertz avoided sanction despite what Frank described as an obvious simulation.
Expressing his frustration in a post-match interview with Sky Sports, Frank emphasized Havertz’s controversial presence on the field during the crucial moment. He criticized the officiating, suggesting that the linesman should have spotted the dive, albeit acknowledging the difficulty of the decision for the referee.
Additionally, Frank provided an injury update on captain Christian Norgaard, who was forced off early in the game due to a contact injury. He remains hopeful that Norgaard will recover in time for the next match against Burnley.
With Brentford grappling with a slew of injuries, including key players like Josh Dasilva and Rico Henry, Frank anxiously awaits news on Norgaard’s condition. Despite missing Sergio Reguilon due to a minor hamstring injury, Frank anticipates his swift return for the Burnley clash.
Brentford’s recent struggles, accumulating only one point from their last five matches, have left them in 15th place in the Premier League standings, with a slender five-point buffer above the relegation zone.
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