Stade Rennes 3-1 Arsenal: 5 Talking Points and Tactical Analysis

#3. Sokratis’ controversial sending-off changes the game

Sokratis was given his marching orders in the 41st minute

Arsenal got off to a rapid start in France and went ahead when Iwobi rippled the net. Though the home side always looked a threat thereafter, they weren’t able to carve open the Gunners’ defence. Yet, a couple of poor decisions by Sokratis allowed Rennes to get back into the game.

Though there remains a cloud over the second yellow card handed out to the Greek, the defender can’t be absolved of any wrongdoing.

For the first caution, he got himself into an ugly mess and ended up impeding Ben Arfa. As for the second booking, the Greek was caught on the wrong side of Sarr’s run which culminated in the defender tripping the forward.

While the debate of whether the latter fouled the former first can rage deep into the night, Sokratis was daft to clip Sarr’s heels.

Arsenal were under the cosh for the majority of the game and they needed leaders like the Greek on the field. Yet, two moments of madness rid the visitors of that luxury.

Legend says that football is a game decided by tiny margins and if Arsenal is unable to turn the tide at the Emirates, one would probably look back at Sokratis’ sending-off as the turning point of the tie.