Graham Poll for the Daily Mail

Arsenal may well have to thank referee Lee Mason for their first victory of the season.

Mason was in charitable mood and in particular with Francis Coquelin who having already been cautioned in the 42nd minute then committed a second cautionable offence by pushing Wilfried Zaha just on half-time.

Premier League official Mason decided not to issue the card; although did book James McArthur in the next phase of play.

Francis Coquelin is shown a yellow card by Premier League official Lee Mason during the first half

Francis Coquelin is shown a yellow card by Premier League official Lee Mason during the first half

Alan Pardew and first-team coach John Salako remonstrate with Mason after Coquelin avoids a second yellow

Alan Pardew and first-team coach John Salako remonstrate with Mason after Coquelin avoids a second yellow

Arsene Wenger decided to substitute Coquelin in fear that his side were going to be reduced to 10 men

Arsene Wenger decided to substitute Coquelin in fear that his side were going to be reduced to 10 men

Coquelin then fouled McArthur in the 60th minute and again Mason kept his cards in his pocket despite the Frenchman appearing to expect a red card.

Arsene Wenger saved further issues by substituting Coquelin – had Mason done his job Arsenal would have found it far more difficult to close the game out.

 


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