Chapter 159: The First Victory
Ashley Cole was still very young.
Not even 21 years old, he had been loaned to Crystal Palace for half a season last year before becoming a starter for Arsenal in the second half. His career had been smooth sailing—transitioning from a mediocre forward to a promising top-tier fullback. However, despite being a few months older than Eto'o, he lacked the same level of experience.
In a moment of hot-headedness, he made the worst possible decision, one that ended his first Champions League match prematurely.
"Oh! Ashley Cole trips Eto'o in the box! What will the referee decide... A penalty! No doubt about it! Cole fouled him from behind inside the penalty area! Mallorca wins a penalty!"
As soon as the referee ran toward the penalty spot, everyone in the Arsenal camp knew they were in trouble. Ashley Cole also snapped back to reality, realizing the magnitude of his mistake. But before he could even plead his case, the referee, after pointing to the penalty spot, reached into his pocket...
"Red card! The referee shows Cole a red card! Eto'o was through on goal with no one left to stop him, and Cole fouled him from behind—there's no argument about this red card! Arsenal is in serious trouble now. Not only do they have to face a penalty kick, but they'll also have to play with ten men for the remaining seventy-plus minutes!"
Wenger was already preparing to protest when the penalty was awarded. Seeing the red card, he dramatically spread his arms and shouted toward the pitch. Meanwhile, José smiled and clapped enthusiastically—this referee was the epitome of fairness and justice!
Arsenal's protests, of course, had no effect. Champions League decisions were not overturned, and Ashley Cole's foul fully justified a red card. After all, he was the last defender, and the foul denied a clear goal-scoring opportunity.
"This is Arsenal's third red card of the season! In their previous four Premier League matches, they already had two players sent off. Since Wenger took charge in October 1996, Arsenal has received a total of 35 red cards. That's a high number. Wenger has brought a beautiful attacking style to Arsenal, but he still hasn't resolved the rough and aggressive defensive habits inherited from the George Graham era. Maybe that's his next challenge..."